Navigation

Navigation

Curricular

Connection

1.0 Skills and Processes: Students will demonstrate the thinking and acting inherent in the

practice of science.

A. CONSTRUCTING KNOWLEDGE

1. Gather and question data from many different forms of scientific investigations which include reviewing appropriate print resources, observing what things are like or what is happening somewhere, collecting specimens for analysis, and doing experiments.

e. Follow directions carefully and keep accurate records of one's work in order to compare data gathered.

C. COMMUNICATING SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION

1. Recognize that clear communication is an essential part of doing science because it enables scientists to inform others about their work, expose their ideas to criticism by other scientists, and stay informed about scientific discoveries around the world.

a. Make use of and analyze models, such as tables and graphs to summarize and interpret data.

D. TECHNOLOGY

3. MAKING MODELS: Examine and modify models and discuss their limitations.

a. Explain that a model is a simplified imitation of something and that a model's value lies in suggesting how the thing modeled works. b. Investigate and describe that seeing how a model works after changes are made to it may suggest how the real thing would work if the same were done to it. c. Explain that models, such as geometric figures, number sequences, graphs, diagrams,

sketches, number lines, maps, and stories can be used to represent objects, events, and

processes in the real world, although such representations can never be exact in every detail.

Background

What is Orienteering?

Orienteering is a competitive international sport that combines racing with navigation. It is a timed

race in which individual participants use a specially created, highly detailed map to select routes

and navigate through diverse and often unfamiliar terrain and visit control points in sequence.

Courses also can be enjoyed as a walk in the woods, with difficulty levels from beginner to expert

offered at most events.

A standard orienteering course consists of a start, a series of

control sites that are marked by circles, connected by lines

and numbered in the order they are to be visited, and a

finish. The control site circles are centered on the feature

that is to be found; this feature is also defined by control

descriptions (sometimes called clues, right), a list of which

you'll receive along with your map, or printed on your map.

Out in the terrain, a control flag (below) marks the location that the orienteer must visit.

To verify a visit, the orienteer may use a punch hanging next to the flag to mark his or her control

Background

(continued)

card. Different punches make different patterns of holes in the paper. Many clubs now use

electronic "punching" instead, using a finger stick with a chip inside it that records your time at

each control you visit (one standard electronic control station is depicted below right).

The route between "controls" is not specified, and is entirely up to the orienteer; this element of

route choice and the ability to navigate through the forest are the essence of orienteering.

Originally a training exercise in land navigation for military officers in Scandinavia (See "A brief

history," below), orienteering has developed many variations. Among these, the oldest and the

most popular is so-called foot orienteering--this refers to orienteering while running or walking on

foot. Typically, when people use the term orienteering, this is what they're referring to. But now

people also orienteer on skis, mountain bikes--even in canoes!

Resource: http://orienteeringusa.org/new-o/what-orienteering

What Is GPS?

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a navigation and precise-positioning tool. Developed by

the Department of Defense in 1973, GPS was originally designed to assist soldiers and military

vehicles, planes, and ships in accurately determining their locations world-wide. Today, the uses

of GPS have extended to include both the commercial and scientific worlds. Commercially, GPS is

used as a navigation and positioning tool in airplanes, boats, cars, and for almost all outdoor

recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking. In the scientific community, GPS plays

an important role in the earth sciences. Meteorologists use it for weather forecasting and global

climate studies; and geologists can use it as a highly accurate method of surveying and in

earthquake studies to measure tectonic motions during and in between earthquakes.

Three distinct parts make up the Global Positioning System. The first segment of the system consists of 24 satellites, orbiting 20,000 km above the Earth in 12-hour circular orbits. This means that it takes each satellite 12 hours to make a complete circle around the Earth. In order to make sure that they can be detected from anywhere on the Earth's surface, the satellites are divided into six groups of four. Each group is assigned a different path to follow. This creates six orbital planes which completely surround the Earth. These satellites send radio signals to Earth that contain information about the satellite. Using GPS ground-based receivers, these signals can be detected and used to determine the receivers' positions (latitude, longitude, and height.)

Resource: http://scign.jpl.nasa.gov/learn/gps1.htm

Resource: Wikipedia

Materials/

Resources

Teacher Materials Student Materials

(1of each item per group)

television

printer

Navigation power point

laptop

large manipulative compass

globe manipulative

maps of Fairview

compass

GPS

laptop

waypoint punch cards

Safety

Each group should include at least two parents or one teacher.

Everyone in the subgroup must stay together.

Subgroups must stay on/near paths at all times.

Be aware and avoid poison ivy.

No running on the property.

No pushing, wrestling, or any excessive physical activity.

Do not throw anything.

All equipment must be secured to an individual. GPS’s should be worn around necks so they can’t fall and break.

Enduring

Questions and

Focus

Question(s)

Enduring Question

Why is navigation important to scientists who study ecosystems?

Focus Questions

How can 2-dimensional maps be used to represent 3-dimensional features and find locations on the surface of the earth?

How can we use technology to map different locations on the grounds of Fairview?

Vocabulary

navigate- to follow a planned course toward a destination

map- a picture of a particular area of the earth or sky drawn or printed to scale on a flat surface

globe- a map of the earth drawn on a sphere

latitude- the distance between the equator and a point north or south on the earth's surface. This

distance is measured in degrees

longitude- distance on the earth's surface east or west of an imaginary line on the globe that goes

from the north pole to the south pole and passes through Greenwich, England. Longitude is

usually measured in degrees

cartographer- a person who makes maps

topography- the shape of the earth's surface across an area or region. The topography of an

area includes the size and location of hills and dips in the land

scale- the size of a model or map compared to the actual size of the thing it represents

legend- a list that gives an explanation of codes or symbols on a map

artificial satellite- an object made by humans, placed in orbit around earth using rocket

technology. Used for collecting and sending data

GPS- abbreviation of "Global Positioning System," a satellite navigation system

that is used to determine a precise location on Earth

GIS- Geographical Imagining System, computer software for making interactive maps

5 E Model Time

Frame Activity

Engage

45 minutes Slide 1: Opening Problem You are in New York City and your family is in Florida. How can you get to your Family? The teacher will then ask students how you would reunite yourself with your family. In groups of 3-4 discuss the possible routes you could take. Emphasize the need to be specific about the route followed. Encourage students to write directions or draw a map showing how to get to Florida. After 3 minutes ask students to explain how they will get to Florida. After the students share, ask for one word that names what they were doing in this activity – Navigation. Define navigation. Why is navigation important to scientists who study ecosystems? Slide 2: Focus Questions Introduce Focus Questions. Have the students identify any important vocabulary in the questions and determine what the words mean.

How can 2-dimensional maps be used to represent 3-dimensional features and find locations on the surface of the earth?

How can we use technology to map different locations on the grounds

of Fairview?

Slide 3: Map of Fairview

Engage

(Continued)

Show students a map of Fairview. (slide 3) Ask students what features does a map have that helps someone navigate? (landmarks, trails, roads, compass rose, title, scale, legend or key, etc…) Next, show students a large manipulative compass. Explain that the red arrow always points toward the Earth’s magnetic North Pole (Good to emphasize that there is not an actual pole sticking out of the ground at the North Pole). Next, using the large manipulative compass, show students how to marry the compass to the compass rose on the map. Finally, demonstrate to students how to orient a map. Next, pass out compasses and maps to student subgroups. Have students orient their map by aligning the red North arrow of the compass with the red North arrow of the map. When all the students have properly oriented the map, assign each group a location at Fairview to find on their map. Have the students describe how they would walk to that location using the information on the map. Explain that they will be going outside and using this process to navigate to the odd numbered points on the Fairview map. Slide 4: Latitude and Longitude Using the globe manipulative, show students the lines of latitude and longitude. Explain that every place on Earth has a specific line of latitude and longitude number. Any point represented along these lines is called a coordinate. Using the globe manipulative, count with students to find the approximate coordinates of Clear Spring, MD. (Longitude 77˚ and Latitude 39˚) Slide 5: GPS

Explain what a GPS is.

Slide 6: General information and safety. (Please review before going

outside)

Take students outside the dining hall and place them in their subgroups.

Explore

1 hr. 15min. After turning on the GPS unit it should be placed around the student’s neck and

not used until ready to navigate to pole #2. Each subgroup should use their

compass to orient to pole #1. Once the students have determined the best route

to follow, walk as a whole group to pole #1. When the students arrive at pole #1,

instruct each subgroup to punch #1 on their card.

Students will now use their GPS to navigate to pole #2. Once students have

properly found the navigation arrow on the GPS walk as a whole group to pole

#2. The directions for using the GPS for navigation are listed below.

1. Push the page button (top button on the right of the GPS) until you come to

the main menu. Use the rocker button (toggle switch on front face of GPS) to

highlight the “find” icon on the main menu page, then push in on the rocker

button.

2. Scroll over “waypoints” and push the rocker button again on “waypoints.” This

will give a list of waypoints stored in the GPS. Our waypoints for this lesson are

labeled “Nav.” Click on the desired “Nav” waypoint.

3. Scroll down to “GO TO” and click on “GO TO.” Push the page button once to

view the compass. Hold the GPS unit straight out in front and begin walking.

4. Follow the arrow to the destination. The distance to the destination can be

found on the upper right of the GPS screen.

After each subgroup has punched their card at pole #2, scatter the subgroups by sending each subgroup to a different pole. Subgroups should follow the course in numerical order from the pole to which they are assigned. Give a specific time for all subgroups to return to the dining hall. It is extremely important to leave at least 25 minutes for the Google Earth activity.

Extend

25 minutes Slide 7: Google Earth

During this activity the students will produce a map by inputting latitude and

longitude data collected at six waypoints into “Google Earth.” The students

should turn on the computer and follow the directions on the Powerpoint slide.

1. Double Click on the “Google Earth” icon 2. Type “Clear Spring, MD” into the search box and click on search. Drag

the hand on the screen and zoom in to Fairview Outdoor School. 3. To plot points click on the yellow push pin icon on the top left of the

page. 4. Name the waypoint. 5. If you used the GPS to navigate to that waypoint, then enter the

latitude and longitude coordinates and click on “ok”.

Explain

Have the student subgroups print maps from Google Earth and compare the

location of the “Nav” points on their maps. Discuss with students the importance

of navigation to the study of ecosystems.

Evaluate

5 minutes Slide 8: Revisit the Enduring and Focus Questions.

Enduring Question

Why is navigation important to scientists who study ecosystems?

Focus Questions

How can 2-dimensional maps be used to represent 3-dimensional features and find locations on the surface of the earth?

How can we use technology to map different locations on the grounds of Fairview?

Career Links

surveyor

geographer

cartographer

Considerations

for Larger

Groups

There could be potential for large subgroups if you do not have enough parents/teachers. If this is

the case, place students in two larger subgroups to find the poles around Fairview. Upon returning

to the dining hall, students can be broken back down into smaller subgroups to do the Google

Earth Activity.

Inclement

Weather

Back-Up Plan

Give students all 12 of the data points and have them place each point on Google Earth. When the

students have finished all 12 of the points, you can continue with the normal lesson. (Weather

permitting)

Cleaning Up

and Setting Up

for the Next

Teacher

GPS units need to be collected and returned to the carrying case. Laminated Fairview maps and compasses need to be collected and stored for the next

session.