Integrating GPS & Geocaching into the Classroom Professional Development Incorporating GPS & Geocaching into your classroom Presenter: Whitney Stone

Who uses GPS?  Police and Emergency Medical Services  Firefighters  Firefighters  Map makers  Science  Science  and…Educators!

Teaching with GPS  GPS helps students and educators engage in studies that promote critical thinking, integrated learning, and multiple intelligences, at any grade level! Yes, even early years!  Through the use of GPS, learners of all ages can apply the important concept of spatial awareness to discover relationships and patterns in their world and have a deeper understanding of the world around them.  Where is it? And Why is it there? GPS can help you find it! Let the students discover why it is there!

What can you do with it?  Educators can use GPS as a teaching aid to help students explore their world, and to encourage students to be more involved through the interactive nature of the technology.  GPS can be incorporated in different teaching areas, not just social studies and geography. Think outside the box!  In classrooms across the country and around the world, educators are using GPS in the study of topics as varied as geography, social studies, science, environmental studies, history, and economics. Boc

What will the students say? What if you let the students be the teacher…and you were the guide? PON9Tg PON9Tg

Curriculum Outcomes? GIS/GPS Specific Learning Outcomes :   Create maps using a variety of information sources, tools, and technologies. Examples: observation, traditional knowledge, geographic information systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS)...   Select and use appropriate tools and technologies to accomplish tasks. Examples: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS)... Construct maps using a variety of information sources and technologies. Examples: observation, traditional knowledge, compass, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS)...

Curriculum Outcomes…  GPS can be incorporated into any grade level with the appropriate training and knowledge!  It can be integrated into any subject area also! Math, ELA, Art, Science etc.  If you are tired of being in the classroom- Get up and get them using GPS! hD6uo

What is GPS? GPS = Global Positioning System The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite- based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the U.S. Department of Defense. GPS was originally intended for military applications, but in the 1980s, the government made the system available for civilian use. GPS works in any weather conditions, anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day. There are no subscription fees or setup charges to use GPS. orks/38-how-gps-works-video.htm

What is GPS? (cont’d) GPS, (which stands for Global Positioning System), is the only system today able to show you your exact position on the Earth anytime, in any weather, anywhere. The three parts of GPS are:  Satellites  Receivers  Software

Satellites There are quite a number of satellites out there in space. They are used for a wide range of purposes: satellite TV, cellular phones, military purposes and etc. Satellites can also be used by GPS receivers.

GPS Satellites The GPS Operational Constellation consists of 24 satellites that orbit the Earth in very precise orbits twice a day. GPS satellites emit continuous navigation signals.

Receivers and Satellites GPS units are made to communicate with GPS satellites (which have a much better view of the Earth) to find out exactly where they are on the global scale of things. -how-gps-receivers-work-video.htm

The GPS Satellite System  The 24 satellites that make up the GPS space segment are orbiting the earth about 12,000 miles above us. They are constantly moving, making two complete orbits in less than 24 hours. These satellites are travelling at speeds of roughly 7,000 miles an hour.  GPS satellites are powered by solar energy. They have backup batteries onboard to keep them running in the event of a solar eclipse, when there's no solar power. Small rocket boosters on each satellite keep them flying in the correct path.  Here are some other interesting facts about the GPS satellites (also called NAVSTAR, the official U.S. Department of Defense name for GPS):  The first GPS satellite was launched in  A full constellation of 24 satellites was achieved in  Each satellite is built to last about 10 years. Replacements are constantly being built and launched into orbit.  A GPS satellite weighs approximately 2,000 pounds and is about 17 feet across with the solar panels extended.  Transmitter power is only 50 watts or less.

How does it work? -how-gps-works-video.htm

How it Works…  GPS satellites circle the earth twice a day in a very precise orbit and transmit signal information to earth. GPS receivers take this information and use triangulation to calculate the user's exact location.  Essentially, the GPS receiver compares the time a signal was transmitted by a satellite with the time it was received. The time difference tells the GPS receiver how far away the satellite is.  Now, with distance measurements from a few more satellites, the receiver can determine the user's position and display it on the unit's electronic map episode-48-gps-demystified-video.htm

How it works…  A GPS receiver must be locked on to the signal of at least three satellites to calculate a 2D position (latitude and longitude) and track movement.  With four or more satellites in view, the receiver can determine the user's 3D position (latitude, longitude and altitude).  Once the user's position has been determined, the GPS unit can calculate other information, such as speed, bearing, track, trip distance, distance to destination, sunrise and sunset time and more.

Latitude and Longitude Latitude and Longitude are spherical coordinates on the surface of the earth. Latitude is measured North or South of the Equator. Longitude is measured East or West of Greenwich. GPS uses Latitudes and Longitudes to reference locations.

How accurate is GPS?  Today's GPS receivers are extremely accurate, thanks to their parallel multi-channel design. Garmin's 12 parallel channel receivers are quick to lock onto satellites when first turned on and they maintain strong locks, even in dense foliage or urban settings with tall buildings.  Certain atmospheric factors and other sources of error can affect the accuracy of GPS receivers. Garmin® GPS receivers are accurate to within 15 meters on average.

Waypoints Waypoints are locations or landmarks that can be stored in your GPS. Waypoints may be defined and stored in the unit manually by inputting latitude and longitude from a map or other reference. Latitude and Longitude Your location Direction of waypoint Date and Tim e Waypoint Or more usually, waypoints may be entered directly by taking a reading with the unit at the location itself, giving it a name, and then saving the point.

How do I get a GPS receiver?  They range in price from about $100 to well over $1,000.  Consider writing a mini-grant to get 4 or 5 to be used at your school.  Borrow them from friends or parents of your students to use for a Geo-cache.

Examples of GPS’s $119.00$159.00$219.00$ $189.00$379.00

Car GPS’s… $ $ $ $849.00

So…Let’s Learn how to use them! Garmin Geko 201