PRESESSION

Using GPS, Google Earth, Digital Photographs and Movies in Math Courses

Thursday, February 15, 2007

8:30AM - 4:00PM

We can help our students learn mathematics and develop the ability to use mathematics to solve real and engaging problems by exploiting the opportunities offered by popular low cost devices and software including global positioning system (GPS) units, digital cameras, digital camcorders, simple attachments for making 3D pictures, spreadsheets, digital maps, computer algebra systems, Vernier's LabPro software, Java and Flash applets, electronic games, and Google Earth.

Although relatively few math classes happen to have students who are parachutists, most students drive, bicycle, run, walk, or hike. They can collect their own GPS data that can be used to solve interesting and important problems - for example, basketball players might see how far they run during a game, measure their top speed or how fast they change direction. And this data can be linked to movies taken with inexpensive digital camcorders and images taken with digital cameras. Cheap, often free, and commonly available software including Vernier Software’s LabPro can be used to extract digital information from photographs and movies and combine it with other data.

The session will be largely hands-on with participants collecting GPS data, making movies and photographs and analyzing the results. If you have a GPS unit, digital camera or digital camcorder, bring it with you. We will also have units available. There will be a wide range of applications and classroom-ready course materials. Participants will work with a variety of free and commonly available software. The session also includes a CD with curriculum materials, data, imagery, and software.

Invited Presenters:

Keith Erickson, United States Military Academy
Bob Palais, University of Utah
Shawnee McMurran, Joe Myers, Brian Souhan, Rod Sturdivant, Frank Wattenberg, United States Military Academy, West Point
Margo Lynn Mankus, SUNY, New Paltz

Registration for the Presession will be limited and must be made via the ICTCM Conference Registration form. Registration will be confirmed on a first come, first served basis. You must register for the conference and the Presession ($80 which includes lunch) at the same time.