4-H Maps and Apps Science Day
Saturday, November 2nd, 2013
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
University of Maine at Machias
Science Building, Room 207
Grade Level: 6th – 8th grade
Maximum number of participants: 20
Registration Cost: $5
Local area youth, grades 6th-8th, will explore how mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) work in their own community! Their challenge as a GIS team will be to design a local park! The youth and instructors will explore Global Positioning System (GPS) units, marking data points and taking pictures. We will examine and record the geographic landscape of a park, the available natural resources, any man-made structures, and more while in the field. The youth will then return to the classroom, where we will discuss what was discovered about the park site, and we will map our data and ideas in two different ways. First, we will work together to create maps on paper, allowing youth to learn the mapping process and brainstorm real-life applications and ideas for their park. The youth will then be able to put their knowledge to use with a real-life application! We will use a GIS computer program to create maps on the computer, just like real GIS Specialists! Youth will actively be able to participate in creating both the “paper” map and the computer maps (with 1 computer per 2 students). This project will allow local youth to explore geospatial technology through hands-on activities and learn how the processes of inquiry, investigation, brainstorming, and development can be used to solve problems in their own communities. Please have youth bring a snack and drink for the morning break.
Schedule
9:00 – 9:25 AM – Learn about our challenge!
9:35 – 10:15 AM – In the field using GPS to take pictures & gather geographical information
10:15 – 10:30 AM – Return to classroom and break
10:30 – 11:15 AM – Hands-on mapping project
11:20 – Noon – Mapping on the computer
To register, please contact Tara Wood at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension office in Machias at 255.3345 or email tara.a.wood@maine.edu. Deadline to register is Friday, October 25th. There is a limit of 20 youth.
The University of Maine does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, including transgender status and gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director, Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 North Stevens Hall, 207.581.1226.
If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in this program, please call Nicole Willey at 255.3345 to discuss your needs. Receiving requests for accommodations at least 3 days before the program provides a reasonable amount of time to meet the request, however all requests will be considered.