The system relies on a backpack-sized receiver and a small computer called a datalogger. The datalogger processes signals from 24 navigational satellites orbiting more than 10,000 miles above the Earth. With the aid of radio-based correction signals from Kennedy Space Center, the satellites provide information that identifies a specific location. The information is stored in the field and later transferred into an office computer. The advance-placement biology students have been involved in all aspects of the mapping process since the program began in the fall, using area farms as their training grounds.
Some students prefer the field work and some prefer the inside computer work.
I didn't know there was anything out there like this. The program is the vision of teacher Gordon Shupe, who said he has observed a greater interest among students in how environmental scientists gather information. The tasks also allow the students to feel they are making an important contribution, he said. As part of the program, the students plan to enter current residential well data into the GIS database. I'm really thrilled with the way this is all evolving for the students and the District.