GPS Activities for the Classroom

Activity Description: Describe in as much detail as possible.

What do you want the students to learn?

• Vector addition and resultant vectors

Set-up

• Come up with several displacement vectors for students to “walk out.”
• Group students in 2’s or 3’s.

What steps will the students take?

• Have one student walk out displacement vectors to add using distance and direction.
• Have second student walk straight line displacement from initial position to final position. Record as Resultant Vector (with direction).
• Verify Resultant vector using algebra and trigonometry.

Extra Activities?

• Make treasure map.
• Have student add vectors algebraically before using GPS.
• Use GPS to test mathematical solution.

Elementary GPS Lessons

Middle School GPS Lessons

High School GPS Lessons