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What is GPS?
Navigation Tools 1B
Life Skills:
 Thinking: problem solving, learning to learn, decision making, critical thinking
 Managing: planning/organizing, goal setting, keeping records
Standards/Objectives:
 How to use geographic tools and technologies to acquire, process and apply
information from a spatial perspective
 How to use a GPS receiver
Requirements:
 Power Point: “Position yourself with GIS/GPS in Lawrence & Richland Counties”
(you may customize it for your area or show it as is)
 Equipment to show the ppt:computer, screen, extension cord, etc.
 “Facilitator’s notes” for the ppt – brief notes explain each slide
 Safe outdoor area for GPS receiver satellite signal access
 GPS receivers and an experienced helper if possible
 Handouts with GPS receiver instructions are helpful for beginners
 “Enter a waypoint to find”
 “MARK a waypoint”
 Hands-on activity lesson 1B “Intro to GPS & Geocaching” for a group is
suggested for a follow-up activity
Research indicates that science, engineering and technology (SET) skills are needed in
the United States for future jobs. Several GPS/GIS activities are available following this
introduction, created by University of Illinois Extension educators to provide geospatial
technology knowledge to Illinois 4-H members.
Following the power point, GPS receivers may be handed out to apply the concepts
learned. Participants will step outside and access satellite signals. Other outdoor
activities may be held at this time or at other meetings. Event organizers will need to
prepare for scavenger hunt activities ahead of time.
ASK
What is GPS?
A Global Positioning System (GPS) is a network
of satellites that send signals to receivers with
latitude and longitude data to pinpoint locations.
At any given time, 24 satellites are circling the
Earth (24 regular plus 3 extras in case one conks
out). The satellites circle the Earth twice a day
from about 12,000 miles away. GPS receivers
include handheld units which receive and record
positional data from satellites. They range in cost
from under $100 to thousands of dollars. An
inexpensive GPS receiver can provide you and
your friends or family hours of fun and exploration.
Originally, this technology was developed for military use, but it
is now available to anyone. It is widely used in commerce,
government, and recreational applications. Although 24
satellites circle the earth, it is only necessary to have a good
signal from at least three to pinpoint a location, and at least four
to measure elevation.
The 4-H Geospatial project is new, and some of you aren’t sure about what this project
is about. To introduce this new technology, we developed a power point, “Introduction to
GPS & Geocaching” to briefly explain GPS.
To understand the power point slides, please see the
“facilitators’ notes” accompanying the power point. The
notes provide some information for every slide, in terms
which can be understood by the common person.
Examples are given of current applications in
commerce, government and recreational uses of GPS,
which are of importance to youth exploring careers.
Page views
Hand-held GPS receiver features are
shown in the power point, explaining
some of the information “pages” to
acquaint you with information that
receivers provide.
Pointer page shows you the direction you are traveling you must be moving for it to work
To make learning about GPS fun, we added information about the sport of geocaching
to the power point. Geocaching uses a GPS receiver for scavenger hunts all around the
world, seeking and finding hidden caches listed on www.geocaching.com. Activity
lesson 2A, “Hands On – Let’s go Geocaching!” will tell you more about official
geocaching.
“Hands on - Introduction to GPS and Geocaching” activity lesson 1B accompanies this
introduction, and gives directions for setting out temporary or unofficial “geocaches” for
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a scavenger hunt type activity. This is a great way to learn to use the GPS receivers to
find, or to mark specific locations.
INVESTIGATE
How can I try this out? I don’t have a GPS receiver!
You may know people who own GPS receivers. Receivers are available
for loan or rent from some Extension centers; contact your local
Extension office for resources. Receivers vary greatly in type, but all are
capable of basic functions identifying latitude and longitude coordinates.
CREATE
After watching the power point, pass out GPS receivers. Turn them on, and practice
entering waypoint destinations from a list of latitude and longitude coordinates
(prepared by your presenter) close to your location.
Hints:
 If programming the GPS units indoors, you will not get a satellite signal.
“Simulator mode” saves batteries and allows hands-on experience in
programming coordinates. Turn on regular mode when you go outside.
 Our handouts refer to the Garmin Map76 GPS receiver ; your receiver may look
different, but the concepts are the same.
 Be sure to have extra batteries available.
If this is your first time using a GPS receiver, handouts on Entering and Marking a
waypoint may be helpful to you. Go outside and away from things like buildings and
trees, as suggested in the power point, so you can get clear satellite signals. Can you
see your receiver accessing satellite signals?
Split up your groups to head for different waypoints on your list – if time permits, you
may seek more than one. Regroup and discuss.
DISCUSS
What did you learn today?
Were you able to find waypoints?
If you had to share your GPS unit with other participants, what was that like?
REFLECT
How can you use what you learned today?
Do you want to go geocaching with your family?
Would this be a fun activity to do while on vacation?
Future Applications:
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See activity lesson 1B, “Hands on - Introduction to GPS and Geocaching” for an exciting
outdoor activity to try out your new GPS knowledge. It will be helpful to have help from
people who have used GPS receivers or done geocaching to help set up the activity.
Hint: Having a person knowledgeable about GPS units present is helpful. It is likely
that there are geocachers in your county, and they may be willing to help youth with
GPS units. If you know of others who use GPS in their work, this may be a good time to
invite them to talk about how they apply GPS; agricultural uses, surveyors, assessors,
etc.
Author: Barb Roberts, youth development educator, University of Illinois Extension,
Lawrence/Richland Unit
Power Point Developers: Parts of the power point were created by the many authors on
the first slide. Barb Roberts, youth development educator, University of Illinois
Extension created the final version and the facilitators’ notes with consult from Dennis
Bowman and Ruth Ann Vokac of the University of Illinois Extension.
Date: March 23, 2009
University of Illinois  U.S. Department of Agriculture  Local Extension Councils Cooperating
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to
participate in this program, please contact the county Extension office.
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