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EXPEDITION PREP - MAPS & NAVIGATION

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
On this page you will find links to background information on map and navigation-related topics. This information should help you prepare for your lessons. The following topics are included:

• Understanding Maps
• Navigation Fun facts
• Navigation terminology and abbreviations
• Why do we need a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)?
• What is a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)?
• What is GPS?
• The three segments of GPS
• How GPS works
• GPS Accuracy
• GPS Uses
• Why Tire Tracks needs GPS
• Tips for using your GPS receiver
• Helpful Links

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TEACHER TOOLKIT

Lesson Plans, Activities & Handouts

• Africa G.I.S. (looks at the MegaFlyover).
  Submitted By: Steve McCarville; St. Pius X/ St. Leo School, Nebraska, USA
• Exploring Africa (7 lessons on Africa physical and cultural geography. Ages 14-15, but easily adapted for other grades) Lessons; Answer keys
  From: USGS, USA
• Exploring Maps (4 lessons on basic mapmaking and map-reading skills. Ages 12-18) Lessons; Activities
  From: USGS, USA
• Finding Your Way with Map and Compass. (lesson and explanation)
  From: USGS, USA
• How to Use a Compass with a Topographic Map. (lesson and explanation)
  From: USGS, USA
• Introduction to GPS in Education
  Submitted by: Joseph Kerski, Geographer from USGS, USA
• Map Adventures (7 lessons covering basic concepts for visualizing objects from different perspectives, and how to understand and use maps. Ages 5-8). Lessons1, Lessons2, Poster1, Poster2, Poster 3
  From: USGS, USA
• Middle East: Why Do People Move? (Can also be used for African countries)
  Submitted By: Steve McCarville; St. Pius X/ St. Leo School, Nebraska, USA
• Middle Eastern G.I.S. (Easily used for African countries, by utilizing the Kids website's country pages.)
  Submitted By: Steve McCarville; St. Pius X/ St. Leo School, Nebraska, USA
• Topographic Salad-Tray Model (This basic lesson helps students to understand a topographic map)
  From: USGS, USA
• What do Maps Show (4 lessons on reading and using maps. Ages 9-13) Lessons, Activities, Maps1, Maps2
  From: USGS, USA

Looking for more lessons? Click on the Teacher toolkit.
Do you have any teaching material or resources that relate to this topic? Share them with other teachers by submitting them to the program. If you would like to develop a lesson on this subject, please contact the Tire Tracks team.

Useful tips, advice and related discussion

• Earthquakes Information Guide
  From: USGS, USA
• Geocaching- Description and how it can be used in education
  From: USGS, USA
• Understanding Plate Motions Information Guide
  From: USGS, USA
  

Other useful lessons:

• Berrien County Intermediate School District (BCISD) (Great list of GPS lessons to try in class)
• GIS, GPS, and Technology in Geography info and resources- About.com
• NASA explores (variety lessons on different topics)
• Southern California Integrated GPS Network - SCIGN (GPS lesson plans)
• US Geological Survey (USGS) – (information and lessons on maps, navigation, GPS)
  • Global GIS: Exploring The Globe with GIS (Need ESRI’s ArcView Data Publisher software to complete)
    

Do you have any useful tips, advice or discussion ideas? Share them with other teachers by submitting them to the program.

Links to content on the Kids website

As multi-media content is available, links to available information on the Kids site will be posted here.

 

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