Idler's Rest Field Work

As many of you know by now, we had an amazing day up at Idler's Rest.  The class did a great job of utilizing the skills learned throughout the expedition to get the job done.  We successfully mapped the entire Idler's Rest trail network, and collected hundreds of interesting waypoints.  The growth this class has demonstrated has been very exciting to witness.  I was particularly impressed by the attention to detail that I saw from each student.  The first mapping session back in early October yielded a very good start to data collection; however, the way the class went about collecting data and recording data was what you would expect from a group of sixth graders.  By the end of this expedition, I saw a group of sixth graders collecting data, communicating information, and using technology in a way that professionals do.  I am very pleased with the class, and each student should be proud of what they have accomplished!

Tree Line from the top of Idler's Rest

Getting geared up and prepared for the day

Several groups on the west side of the property.

Lady Bird Beetles congregating for warmth

Emma may have puffy earmuffs, but just like everyone else, she collected a remarkable amount of data!

Brekken and Chris collecting Latitude and Longitude

Students mapping the cedar grove

Satellite page of the GPS receiver. This unit had 4 satellite signals which gave us our position in 3 dimensions.

Students at the top of Idler' Rest

GPS Field Work

We are now officially in Final Product mode!  We have started learning about GPS and GIS, NAVSTAR, DoD satellites, radio waves, atomic clocks, ... goodness gracious is this sixth grade or a sci-fi movie? 

GPS receiver logging track data

Solomon and Dan deciding on which route to map

As part of this expedition, the UI Range Department has graciously lent us a class set of GPS units to create a map of Idler's Rest.  As part of the scaffolding for this project we are learning the ins and outs of logging navigation data as well as data management.  We spent some time yesterday getting the hang of the units at Berman Park.  Today we went out and created maps of the UI Arboretum.  One aspect of this that really stuck out to me was the appreciation the student's have for the GPS technology.  After creating maps the old fashion way, having a DoD satellite network in the palm of your hand is nothing short of remarkable!

Lee and John actively logging a GPS track

Emma recording the lat/long of a waypoint