GEODESY
GPS Lesson Breakdown:
This lesson is designed to give students a basic understanding of the global positioning system (GPS).
The students should know the kinematic equations and be familiar with the differences between
displacement vs. distance and velocity vs. speed.
Standards:
HS-PS2-1
Analyze data to support the claim that Newton’s second law of motion is a mathematical model describing motion
and change in motion (acceleration) of objects with mass when acted on by a net force. Use free-body force diagrams
and algebraic expressions representing Newton’s laws of motion to predict changes to velocity and acceleration for
an object moving in one dimension in various situations.
Practices:
Science & Engineering Practices
2. Developing and Using Models
A practice of both science and engineering is to use and construct models as helpful tools for representing ideas and explanations.
These tools include diagrams, drawings, physical replicas, mathematical representations, analogies, and computer simulations.
Modeling tools are used to develop questions, predictions and explanations; analyze and identify flaws in systems; and communicate
ideas. Models are used to build and revise scientific explanations and proposed engineered systems. Measurements and observations
are used to revise models and designs.
3. Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
Scientists and engineers plan and carry out investigations in the field or laboratory, working collaboratively as well as individually.
Their investigations are systematic and require clarifying what counts as data and identifying variables or parameters.
4. Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Scientific investigations produce data that must be analyzed in order to derive meaning. Because data patterns and trends are not
always obvious, scientists use a range of tools—including tabulation, graphical interpretation, visualization, and statistical analysis—
to identify the significant features and patterns in the data. Scientists identify sources of error in the investigations and calculate the
degree of certainty in the results. Modern technology makes the collection of large data sets much easier, providing secondary
sources for analysis.
5. Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
In both science and engineering, mathematics and computation are fundamental tools for representing physical variables and their
relationships. They are used for a range of tasks such as constructing simulations; solving equations exactly or approximately; and
recognizing, expressing, and applying quantitative relationships.
Mathematical and computational approaches enable scientists and engineers to predict the behavior of systems and test the validity of
such predictions.
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6. Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
The end-products of science are explanations and the end-products of engineering are solutions.
The goal of science is the construction of theories that provide explanatory accounts of the world. A theory becomes accepted when
it has multiple lines of empirical evidence and greater explanatory power of phenomena than previous theories.
7. Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Argumentation is the process by which evidence-based conclusions and solutions are reached.
In science and engineering, reasoning and argument based on evidence are essential to identifying the best explanation for a natural
phenomenon or the best solution to a design problem.
Scientists and engineers use argumentation to listen to, compare, and evaluate competing ideas and methods based on merits.
Scientists and engineers engage in argumentation when investigating a phenomenon, testing a design solution, resolving questions
about measurements, building data models, and using evidence to evaluate claims.
8. Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Scientists and engineers must be able to communicate clearly and persuasively the ideas and methods they generate. Critiquing and
communicating ideas individually and in groups is a critical professional activity.
Communicating information and ideas can be done in multiple ways: using tables, diagrams, graphs, models, and equations as well
as orally, in writing, and through extended discussions. Scientists and engineers employ multiple sources to obtain information that is
used to evaluate the merit and validity of claims, methods, and designs.
English Language Learners’ Accommodations
-
Pre-teach vocabulary
o Definitions
 I tried to tier the words used in this lesson:
Tier 1 words
Tier 2 words
Tier 3 words
Orbit, time, miles, kilometers
Plane, atomic, control, receiver, user,
satellite, place
Altitude, navigation, trilateration
-
For the Jigsaw, I used Reciprocal Reading to focus the students on their individual
readings:
o I’ve used both of these activities in my class before, but if you haven’t made sure
to model it. There are two handouts from Reading Rockets
(http://www.readingrockets.org/content/pdfs/reciprocalteaching_worksheet.pdf and
http://www.readingrockets.org/content/pdfs/reciprocalteaching_handout.pdf), which helps
keep the students focused on their roles and what they have to do with their
articles. Try to group the students in groups of four (one for each role in the
handout: predictor, clarifier, questioner, and summarizer), which might mean
GEODESY
repeating the 3 articles. I used Popsicle sticks to identify the roles in each
foursome that way the same person does not always choose the same role. The
class had around 15-20 minutes to read and execute the strategy. If articles are
repeated, make sure those groups create clarifying questions to ask the other
group. Then, I regroup the students in terms of roles that way the jigsaw will be
complete with each member of the new group having read each article. Now the
groups will share the information from each article.
Articles
Tier 1 words
Tier 2 words
Tier 3 words
Distance, time, position, clock,
surface, measurements
Satellite, locate, reciver, accurate,
broadcast, radiation
Embed, cartography, navigate, pulsar
Support:
- Videos:
o How GPS Works https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoRQiNFzT0k
o Global Positioning System https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wi_3XwkA8cQ
-
Demonstrations / Labs/Simulations:
o Gravity and Orbits https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/gravity-and-orbits
Enrichment
- Further Reading:
o Retooling The Global Positioning System by Per Enge
http://www.drtulsian.com/interestingReading/physics/Retooling_GPS_qpdf.pdf
Citations:
Cevallos, Marissa. "How to Use a Pulsar to Find Starbucks." Science News. US News. 24 Nov.
2010. Web. <http://www.usnews.com/science/articles/2010/11/24/how-to-use-a-pulsarto-find-starbucks>.
Cmglee. Comparison of GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and COMPASS (medium Earth orbit
satellites) orbits with International Space Station, Hubble Space Telescope and
geostationary orbits, and the nominal size of the Earth. Digital image. Web.
<https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Comparison_satellite_navigation_orbits.svg#/
media/File:Comparison_satellite_navigation_orbits.svg>.
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Drawing in PowerPoint: Spheres, Planets and Balls. Digital image. Web.
<https://pptcrafter.wordpress.com/2013/09/26/drawing-in-powerpoint-spheres-planetsand-balls/>.
"East United States." Google Maps. Web. <https://www.google.com/maps/@40.5835433,74.9373028,5z>.
El Pak. A simulation of the original design of the GPS space segment, with 24 GPS satellites (4
satellites in each of 6 orbits), showing the evolution of the number of visible satellites
from a fixed point (45°N) on earth (considering "visibility" as having direct line of sight).
Digital image. Wikimedia Commons. Web.
<https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ConstellationGPS.gif>.
Enge, Per. "Retooling the Global Positioning System." Scientific American. May 2004. Web.
<http://www.drtulsian.com/interestingReading/physics/Retooling_GPS_qpdf.pdf>.
Fischetti, Mark. "Where on Earth You Are." Scientific American 299 (2008): 116-17.
Nature.com. Dec. 2008. Web.
<http://www.nature.com/scientificamerican/journal/v299/n6/full/scientificamerican1208116.html>.
Mann, Adam. "Celebrating 25 Years of Not Getting Lost Thanks to GPS." Wired.com. Conde
Nast Digital, 14 Feb. 2014. Web. <http://www.wired.com/2014/02/happy-anniversarygps/>.
NIST. Chip-Scale Atomic Clock Unveiled by NIST. Digital image. National Institute of
Standards and Technology. Web.
<http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/releases/miniclock.cfm>.
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Reading Rockets. "Reciprocal Teaching." Reading Rockets. Web.
<http://www.readingrockets.org/strategies/reciprocal_teaching>.
Yuma, Larry. Gps satellite orbits (in grey the equatorial plane). Digital image. Wikimedia
Commons. Web.
<https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gps_orbits.svg#/media/File:Gps_orbits.svg>.