Introduction to GPS

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Introduction to GPS Geocaching
Jim Clark Instructional Technology
Department Wichita Public Schools
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Navigating in the Past
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What is GPS?

• It is a system of 24 satellites that are used in
  conjunction with a receiver unit and a control
  station to allow for very accurate determination
  of location

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(No Transcript)
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Space Segment
Satellite Constellation
GPS Satellite
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Ground Segment
Basic GPS Unit
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Garmin eTrex GPS Receiver

• Very inexpensive
• Very durable
• Great for basic instruction in use of GPS
• Stores waypoints and routes

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The front of the eTrex
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The Back of the eTrex
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Important Pages
Skyview Page
Menu Page
Waypoints Page
Waypoint Review Page
Compass Page
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What is Geocaching?

• High tech treasure hunt that uses global
  positioning system (GPS) receiver to hide and
  seek containers (caches) anywhere in the world

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Geocaching

• Go to http//www.geocaching.com
• Create account
• Under Search for caches enter the latitude and
  longitude for location

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Geocaches near Us
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Geocaches near Us
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Geocaches near us
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Downloading Geocaches

• Check in check box
• Click on Download Waypoints

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To Manage the Geocaches

• Download and install EasyGPS (www.easygps.com)
• Launch EasyGPS and select file you downloaded
• You may then upload or download geocache
  waypoints from your receiver

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EasyGPS
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GPS Visualizer
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Geocaches

• Waterproof container
• Contains swag, stash note, pencil/pen, and log
  book
• You should add to the swag if you take swag

Congratulations, you found it! If you found this
cache by accident please dont remove it, this is
a Geocaching treasure box! Join us in the fun of
using GPS to find hidden treasures worldwide at
www.geocaching.com. Please let us know if you
would like us to remove this geocache. Name Date
Waypoint Owner
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Example Classroom Standards

• Third Grade
• Math
• Numeracy
• Geometry and Measurement
• Data Analysis and Probability
• Science
• Geography
• Technology

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Uses in Education

• Use Travel Bugs to track an items movement from
  place to place, including any stories that are
  picked up along the way
• Create a multi-cache that includes information
  about the local history of an area.
• Create a multi-cache that explores cultural
  connections of the local area.
• Create a cache that explores issues in
  environmental education. (The Evil Green Menace!)
  
• Create a cache that explores health issues.
  (Heart to Heart)

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Uses in Education

• Create caches that explore numeracy.
• Participate in projects that help students
  collaborate with others around the world.
• Participate in a "Cache In, Trash Out"
  environmental education day.
• Create a geocaching club at school.
• Use virtual caches to avoid planting too many
  caches for your students. (Get students to keep a
  log book and answer questions about locations
  they have visited.)
• Survey school grounds with GPS units
• Create caches exploring sculptures
• Create historical geocaches
• Create foreign language geocaches

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Future

• iPhone location (indoors and out)
• Cell 500 meters
• Wi-Fi (Skyhook wireless) 30 meters
• GPS 10 meters

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Jim Clark Instructional Technology
Department Wichita Public Schools jclark_at_usd259.ne
t http//technology.usd259.org/resources/