Science Activities Weblog: May 2005 Archives

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May 16, 2005

Science Activity 3-X Marks the Spot

As Jason and Lourdes continue their pedal boat crossing from Darwin to Dili, it is important for them to identify their longitude and latitude coordinates on a daily basis. Their longitude and latitude readings give important information as to the path that they are traveling. Over the course of the next week, these readings might be affected by current and wind direction which will influence a straight line of travel as if it was from Point A to Point B. The amount of nautical miles gained in a day will also be influenced by currents and wind direction.

Without any 'land' marks to follow in ocean travel, being able to navigate according to longitude and latitude is essential in finding the way. Early day explorers relied on several navigational instruments to help them in their quest to discover new lands. (Research the origins of the astrolabe, cross-staff, and the compass to gain knowledge. Celestial navigation was also important in determining location)

Now, the use of the GPS (Global Positioning System) determines exact coordinates on land or sea. With a partner, plot the coordinates logged so far for each day that Moksha journeys toward Indonesia. Can you predict the path that she will follow? Predict how many nautical miles the crew will gain each day. Also, plot coordinates on your map as to the predicted line of travel. Compare and contrast your predictions with the actual journey as it unfolds!

Lesson Activities:
Materials:

map of northern Australia and Indonesia with longitude/latitude markings. (You can use the map provided by the CIA World Fact Book to help you figure out the Longitude and Latitude.)

ruler in inches/metric

colored pencils

Procedure:

With a partner and a world map, practice finding places around the world using the longitude and latitude coordinates.

Using a map of northern Australia, the Timor Sea, and Indonesia, plot the long/lat coordinates given each day in the daily updates in one color.

Using a different colored pencil, plot your predictions as to the line of travel Moksha will take toward Dili in East Timor. Be sure to write your predicted longitude and latitude readings in you journal.

After reading each update from the team, plot the actual points of the coordinates given and see how yours compare to the actual line of travel.

Posted by april at 4:17 AM | Comments (0)