GPS Systems and Geocaching
Learn about a 24-satellite constellation situated around Earth to provide people with a Global Positioning System. Find out about new popular Geocaching game or GPS treasure hunt. Learn how to read clues of your surroundings and get oriented in unfamiliar places. Includes photographs, maps, and latitude and longitude finders.
Grades
- 5,
- 6,
- 7
Links
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Terriers Satellite Project
Learn how satellites are built, how they work, are launched, and missions they carry out. Select the "Classroom" button for five lesson plans and instructions on how to build a satellite model.
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J-Track Satellite Tracking
Know where to find a satellite in the sky. Select among five icons to view passes of different types of satellites while they are orbiting Earth.
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The Global Positioning System
Learn about GPS and click on highlighted words to view images of a GPS satellite, GPS constellation, GPS navigation, and more.
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Howstuffworks: How GPS Receivers Work
Learn how GPS satellites in space and GPS receivers on Earth can locate peoples' positioning using radio waves. NOTE: The site includes pop-up and banner ads.
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GPS: A New Constellation
Discover how GPS technology helps navigation on the land, sea, and in the air. View images of satellites and GPS constellation.
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Geocaching
Learn more about geocaching and how GPS devices help adventurers find modern treasures. Enter your zip code to see if a geocaching event is located near where you live. NOTE: This site leads to social networking sites.
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Why GPS?
These step-by-step explanations on how GPS works and used are illustrated with animated images.
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Garmin: Geocaching
Learn about the new popular high-technology sports game: Geocaching. Read its rules and learn how to choose the right GPS device. Select the "Geocaching Manual" for seven-page PDF file with explanation about the game and tips on how to get started. NOTE: The site leads to a website with forums.
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Basic GPS Exercises
Here are three exercises on how to use GPS receivers. Explore links on the left for information about the GPS system and its devices, Geocaching, and take a test. NOTE: The site includes ads.
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Finding Geocaches
Learn some tricks and tips for an enjoyable and successful geocaching trip.
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Latitude and Longitude Finder
Select a state on the list and look up latitude and longitude of its main cities.
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MapQuest: Maps
Generate a map of a location based on its latitude and longitude coordinates. NOTE: The site includes ads.
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US Orienteering Federation
This web site has extensive information on how to orienteer in different locations.
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Geocaching: Hide and Seek a Cache
Here is an interactive locator of a cache. NOTE: The site has a link to forums.
Education Standards
