Learn Have Fun with GPS

1. Learn & Have Fun with GPS What is it? How can I use it with my class? By Jane & David Runneals Central Area 4-H Tech Team

2. This presentation was given to Nevada Middle and High School teachers as part of their year-end technology training on 6/4/09 by Jane & David Runneals. Special thanks to Barb Roberts, U of IL Extension, for assistance with some of the information/slides contained in this presentation

4. What You�ll Learn Today What is GPS? How does GPS Work? What can we do with GPS? How do I use a hand-held GPS? 2 Hands-on Activities What can I do with GPS & GIS in my class? Learn even MORE � Resources to Help

5. What is GPS?? Global Positioning System **GPS can pinpoint the latitude/longitude of a location anywhere on earth

6. What is your position in the world? Latitude and longitude coordinates identify location (Courtesy U of IL Extension) GPS is short for Global Positioning Systems, and helps you locate a specific location in the world. The �X� on the map marks a spot. Do you know exactly where it is? Is it in Illinois? Or Missouri or Indiana? It is not specific enough to give you exact information about a location. In geospatial terminology, the point or area occupied by a physical object is called a �position�. Data such as latitude, longitude and altitude coordinates identify positions in the world. GPS is short for Global Positioning Systems, and helps you locate a specific location in the world. The �X� on the map marks a spot. Do you know exactly where it is? Is it in Illinois? Or Missouri or Indiana? It is not specific enough to give you exact information about a location. In geospatial terminology, the point or area occupied by a physical object is called a �position�. Data such as latitude, longitude and altitude coordinates identify positions in the world.

7. Latitude and longitude lines are given in degrees, and specify positions around the world. Latitude lines run horizontally, with �0�� being the Equator and gaining in numbers going north or south. Illinois would have a latitude reading approximately around N 40�. Longitude lines run horizontally and are measured from the Greenwich Meridian in the United Kingdom, which is indicated as 0� longitude, and longitude degrees indicate east and west positions. A longitude coordinate west of the Greenwich Meridian would be in indicated with a �W� coordinate, such as �W 088��.in Illinois. Latitude and longitude lines are given in degrees, and specify positions around the world. Latitude lines run horizontally, with �0�� being the Equator and gaining in numbers going north or south. Illinois would have a latitude reading approximately around N 40�. Longitude lines run horizontally and are measured from the Greenwich Meridian in the United Kingdom, which is indicated as 0� longitude, and longitude degrees indicate east and west positions. A longitude coordinate west of the Greenwich Meridian would be in indicated with a �W� coordinate, such as �W 088��.in Illinois.

8. How Does it Work? 24 Satellites circle the earth 2x/day Do we need 3 or 4 to pinpoint our location??? You only need 3 satellites to find latitude and longitude, but you need 4 satellites to find latitude, longitude AND altitude More detailed info. at: http://www.nasm.si.edu/exhibitions/gps/work.html http://scign.jpl.nasa.gov/learn/gps2.htm

9. What Can I Do With It? For Navigation: Mark waypoints � learn abt. lat/long Make a map with the marked points For tracking something over time: Mark location you want to go back to � ie � monitor tree health Water Quality Testing � do every year or more-check at same place each time

10. What Can I Do With It? For Fun: Go geocaching Identify and record an earthcache with your class http://www.earthcache.org/ (special section for teachers) Have a class scavenger hunt --with a purpose!

11. How Do I Use a GPS? Garmin eTrex Legends Features (2-page user�s guide) Accuracy � usu. w/in 10-30 ft. How To Use follow handout

12. What you need for your GPS TWO free software programs: EasyGPS - use this program to download marked waypoints off your GPS Receiver http://www.easygps.com/ MN DNR Garmin site � use this program to convert GPX files to KML files for mapping http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mis/gis/tools/arcview/extensions/DNRGarmin/DNRGarmin.html

13. TODAY = Hands-On GPS Activities A) GPS Scavenger Hunt Find the marked waypoints around the school Answer the questions on the sheet B) Mark & Map Waypoints - Mark 2-3 waypoints, use EasyGPS to download, then use ArcExplorer to map them

14. Marking a Waypoint

15. Process Activity What did we learn? Mark a lat/long waypoint Map a waypoint Use of Easting/Northing units to navigate How cool a hand-held GPS unit is! Power in your hand! How could I use this with my class? If I modified it � A) Cache In/Trash Out activity � (find �treasures� or landmarks while cleaning up a park/cemetery) B) Class Adventure outings � mark educational locations you want the class members to find. OR Service project idea: Help GPS mark trails for a camp/city or co. park, etc. C) Set out your own class �trackable item� � travel bug http://www.geocaching.com/track/

16. How we use GPS in 4-H GPS � - Set up Scavenger hunts for the public - State 4-H Camp � trail marking; GPS hunt Story Co. Fairgrounds & State Fair Activities - Trackable travel bugs with �missions� GIS Mapping Projects � Service Learning Projects & Maps Work with ISU GIS Lab & professionals Present at ISU�s GIS Day & ESRI Educators User�s Conf. in San Diego - 7/09 Assist with 2-Day GIS/GPS Educator Trng. - 4/09

17. SKILLS we�re learning with 4-H GIS/GPS Technical & Computer Skills � GPS, computer Problem Solving Skills Serving our Communities Developing partnerships Leadership Presentation Skills Teamwork Connecting with other like-minded groups nationwide Other Great Stuff!

18. Ways to use GPS in School A) Discuss careers that would use GPS technology in their work � (beyond the obvious cartographers) B) WHERE GPS Technology is used - Vehicles & Ag Equipmt./Precision Agriculture - Military, Surveying, Recreation, etc. - Mapping out community infrastructures � precise locations of utilities, fire hydrants, etc. C) As a class, figure out where the �Confluence� of the closest lat/long is to Nevada - lesson ideas at: http://education.usgs.gov/common/lessons/teaching_with_the_degree_confluence_project.html YOUR ideas � --please share

19. GPS Use in School ArcGIS Explorer and/or Google Earth Free program downloads. Fun to explore here or pull GPS waypoints in. Augmented Reality � Use Mscapes or HARP to program interactive activity using GPS points PDA�s avail. thru Heartland AEA (Denise Krefting)

20. Other Ways to Use GPS GIS Mapping work Geospatial (where on earth am I � lat/long) Information (marked points/geocodes) Systems (using a map to help it make sense) Hawaii � 1st State in US to have all their schools set up to use GIS mapping

21. Getting Started What I need for my class: GPS Units � (don�t forget extra batteries!) Lesson/activity � Your Own Idea � around the school, in the community, etc. Web Resources: 1 idea---- U of IL Extension/4-H lessons/curriculum: www.extension.uiuc.edu/lawrencerichland/ (under Just for Teachers tab � geospatial resources) A Computer w/ Easy GPS loaded (to download waypoints) To load pre-marked points on everyone�s GPS receiver

22. GPS Resources GPS Units � Story Co. Extension Office (e-mail Eldon Bensen to reserve 2 kits [20 units] for FREE!) ebensen@iastate.edu or call: 382-6551 State 4-H E-SET Office (has 2 kits to reserve also) Holly Bignall: hbignall@iastate.edu or 294-2078 Jay Staker: jstaker@iastate.edu or 294-8417 - Heartland AEA Office � Science website (has 3 kits): http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us:16080/science/kits.html

23. GPS Resources People State 4-H SET Office & Story County Extension Office Story County Conservation � Jerry Keys & Carol Williams (BOTH excellent resources � Jerry for GPS info. & Carol for project ideas) Jane & David + Central IA Area 4-H Tech Team � contact at: david@runneals.com or janerun@iastate.edu Iowa Geospatial Education Community: http://groups.google.com/group/iowa-geospatial-education-community?hl=en

24. GPS Resources Books/Articles: just a few to get started GPS for Dummies (avail. at NPL) The Complete Idiot�s Guide to Geocaching GIS for Dummies Google Earth & GPS Classroom Activities - Intermediate Science: Grades 5-8 (Spiral-bound) Thinking Spatially Using GIS � find discounted at: http://www.gisetc.com/products.html

25. GPS Resources Websites: A few ideas to get you started at this link: http://www.gis.centralareatechteam.org/ncsdlinks.php They include: Geocaching � www.geocaching.com Earthcaching � A geographical site run by GSA� www.earthcache.org Itouch Map - http://www.itouchmap.com/ (Maps and Utilities for the PC, Mac, iPhone, iPod touch and Smartphones) U of IL Extension --Geospatial: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/lawrencerichland/teachers.html (lessons under the Just for Teachers category)

26. More Website Resources http://scign.jpl.nasa.gov/learn/index.htm (HS level and above � CA GPS Education Module) My Wonderful World (Nat. Geographic): http://www.mywonderfulworld.org/ NASA�s Earth observatory: http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/

27. More Website Resources GIS/GPS info.: http://www.eschoolnews.com/resources/gis-and-geographic-inquiry/ ISU Extension-Geospatial resources � Quick Task Sheets http://www.extension.iastate.edu/gis/tasksheets (amazing shots of earth!) http://www.earthkam.ucsd.edu/ And a link there specifically for students./teachers: http://www.earthkam.ucsd.edu/public/students/index.shtml

28. More Website Resources Google for Educators (for EVERY subject): http://www.google.com/educators/geo_class.html AND Google Earth Lessons: http://gelessons.com/ GIS Resources: 3 David wants to share http://www.extension.org/geospatial%20technology http://www.kmlfactbook.org/ http://www.data.gov/catalog/category/0/agency/0/filter//type/k

29. GPS Resources YOUR Turn to Share��� see handout for ideas Some Lessons to look at: ESRI�s ArcLessons: http://edcommunity.esri.com/arclessons/lesson.cfm?id=315 Measure circumference of the earth at: http://edcommunity.esri.com/arclessons/lesson.cfm?id=300 Heartland AEA (will also tell you which curriculum standards are met through GPS work) links:http://www.alicechristie.org/geocaching/index.html OR http://www.aea11.k12.ia.us/science/GPS.html

30. Successful GeospatialCurriculum Strategies Success story � geospatial technology program in Santa Barbara, CA http://www.publicschoolinsights.org/node/2025

31. DO �GPS� This Summer Start Small - make a plan to incorporate just ONE GPS-related lesson into your curriculum next year (use the �People� resources if needed) Connect with the IA Geospatial Education Google Grp. � David can set you up Go Geocaching with your family/friends or class! (Call David � he�s always up for it!!! Several in Nevada or set up your own or use our idea from today�s activities) Visit the Traveling GPS Adventures display in the Quad Cities�.

32. GPS Traveling Exhibit More fun & learning abt. GPS at: http://www.gpsmaze.com/ �GPS Adventures� Traveling Exhibit Putnam Museum � Quad Cities NOW thru Sept. 7th (Great Student/Teacher/Parent GPS info. avail. on this site too!)

33. What You Learned Today What is GPS & how does it work Where is it used How to use a hand-held GPS What can we do with GPS in the classroom Resources for more information GPS is fun to use and offers many learning opportunities for you and your class

36. Learn & Have Funwith GPS! Thank you for letting us share with you today! Questions?? Let us know how we can help: Jane Runneals: janerun@iastate.edu David Runneals: david@runneals.com

37. Lastly - A Tech-Related Freebie One AMAZING Site all Teachers Need to Know About: www.freetech4teachers.com We suggest signing up for the FREE daily e-mail which has 3-4 new free sites highlighted every day. A VERY techie teacher puts all this together in �layperson�s language� - it�s wonderful stuff for your classroom (grouped by subject)! (David & I just had to share this site with you! If you can�t find something useful on here to use with your class, you aren�t looking hard enough!) ?