Activity 1: GPS and GIS Basics

1. Define the acronyms GPS and GIS. Most students are likely familiar with GPS navigation systems on smart phones. Begin the lesson by asking students if they know how GPS works. 
2. Show the following video clip to further illustrate and describe the use of GPS in our everyday lives. How GPS Works from Discovery News. 

Activity 2: Modern Marvels

1. The movie Modern Marvels: Harvesting from the History Channel gives great illustrations and descriptions of specific technologies used in agriculture. The first segment shows the use of GPS and GIS technology in a rice field. (Note: DVD can be purchased from Amazon.)
2. Use the movie activity sheet, Gearing up for Careers in Agricultural Technology. Print one for each student, and ask students to list each job they see as they watch the movie. 
3. Before showing the movie, explain the difference between an entry-level position and an advanced-level position. Entry-level positions can be obtained with little or no outside education or training. Advanced positions usually require education, specific training, and/or years of experience in the career field. 
4. Stop the movie frequently and point out careers until students can recognize them on their own.

Activity 3: Where in the World?

1. This activity allows students to discover their own geographic locations using latitude and longitude measurements (GPS uses latitude and longitude measurements in addition to time and distance measurements from GPS satellites).
2. Print one copy of the activity sheet Where in the World? for each student.
3. Provide students computers with internet access, and ask them to follow the instructions on the activity sheet.