A hands-on presentation at the annual third grade field day is learning how to use a GPS.
The students, some of whom were slightly familiar with its use, learned GPS stands for global positioning system and uses satellites in space to send signals back to earth.
This has become a useful tool on the farm. It plays a part in the planting and harvesting operations by telling farmers how much to plant where, what the soil needs, how many seeds to plant per acre and at harvest, how many bushel per acre is being harvested.
Jack VanLaar from Decatur County Extension explained how a GPS works and then divided the third-graders into groups and had them hold one and follow the arrow to locate an item he had planted in several areas of the yard.
The children were to learn to find the arrow to look at, read the direction and follow it. Some wanted to turn the GPS around, and some just wanted to stand and watch it, but the small groups did catch on and follow the arrow and find the “treasure,” which was accompanied by a rejoicing shout of accomplishment.
VanLaar suggested it is also useful for remembering where that good fishing spot is, and helps the military find their targets. Another tool he let them become familiar with was a compass.
Thank you to Jack VanLaar for taking time in the last couple of years to share his expertise and helping make the third grade field trip a success.