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Curricular Unit: Plot Your Course - Navigation

Contributed by: Integrated Teaching and Learning Program, College of Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder

Two photographs depicted navigational equipment. On the left is a photo of a woman using a sextant. The photo on the right shows two different types of GPS receivers.
On the left, a woman using a sextant; on the right, two different types of GPS receivers.
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Grade: 7 (6-8)


Summary

In this unit, students learn the very basics of navigation, including the different kinds of navigation and their purpose. The concepts of relative and absolute location, latitude, longitude and cardinal directions are discussed, as well as the use and principles of a map and compass. Students will discover the history of navigation and learn the importance of math and how it ties into navigational techniques. Understanding how trilateration can determine one's location leads to a lesson on the global positioning system and how to use a GPS receiver. The unit concludes with an overview of orbits and spacecraft trajectories from Earth to other planets.


Engineering Connection

Many types of engineering are very important to the development of navigational equipment used for travel on sea, in space and on land. Understanding the science of natural phenomena enables engineers to design and build appropriate structures and systems for a variety of navigational purposes. And, math is also an essential engineering tool used in the development of navigational equipment. Satellites designed and tested by engineers use equations that take into account the relative effects of space and time. Engineering is built upon a network of knowledge extending way back in time. Even though celestial navigation is for the most part historical, the best engineers understand how things used to be done, building on the same mathematics concepts — such as geometry and trigonometry — used by engineers every day. Engineers make predictions and analyze circumstances related to motion; they must understand the relationships between speed, time and distance. They use many techniques, which oftentimes involves computers, to help process the many calculations required to make good estimations. Engineers design systems that require precise and known locations, and often use triangulation calculations. They use triangulation with ground data to determine where in space a satellite is located. Accurately determining a satellite's location is important to adjusting its position to keep it on course. GPS (global positioning satellites) uses the same concept of triangulation; the development of this popular device required contributions from many engineering disciplines. Mechanical engineers created GPS equipment able to perform reliably in the unique environment of space. Electrical engineers designed computers, circuit boards, power systems and wiring. Aerospace engineers determined the satellite arrangement around the Earth and designed their orbits. Software engineers wrote computer programs so that the satellites operate on their own and transmit useful data to Earth receivers. Engineering is vitally important to the creation of technology used in space, on water and on land. Without engineers, our ability to navigate would be much more difficult (albeit not impossible) than it is today. The possibilities for future developments are intriguing! With engineering all around us, our imaginations are allowed to run wild.


Keywords: navigation, location, latitude, longitude, directions, map, compass, GPS, orbits, trajectories


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Copyright

© 2009 by Regents of the University of Colorado. This digital library content was developed by the Integrated Teaching and Learning Program.

Supporting Program

Integrated Teaching and Learning Program, College of Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder

Last Modified: March 4, 2009
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