GPS Workshops Held in West Point

By Mary Loftis, Extension Assistant

GPS Workshops

          Two of Burt County’s 5^th grade classes recently took part in the GPS (Global Positioning System) workshops held in West Point. This is a combined program presented by Nebraska Extension in Burt and Cuming Counties. Oakland Craig and Tekamah-Herman’s 5^th graders had a great weather days for this event which makes the learning even more fun.

In the morning the workshop teaches the students how to use a compass and make a map. In the afternoon they had a quick review of latitude and longitude and then moved on to higher technology as they learn how to use a hand held GPS unit to navigate.  The grand finale of the day is the GPS Geocache hunt where they use the latitude and longitude coordinates to find their group’s hidden cache. It’s a great day as the students experience the fun of science, technology and math through the various activities.

Experience the Power of Red

High school students and their parents are invited to explore opportunities available to help them prepare for a future in agriculture and natural resources. University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Agricultural Science & Natural Resources (CASNR) is hosting “Experience the Power of Red” on Saturday, October 3, on the East Campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Activities will begin at 9:00 a.m. in the East Campus Union and conclude at 2:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided for pre-registered participants.

“Power of Red” will provide you with an opportunity to learn more about the 30 majors and two pre-professional programs within CASNR, interact with the Deans, faculty and staff, experience East Campus life, explore career opportunities as well as connect with current and future students. There will be an opportunity to register for a $500 scholarship and other cool prizes. This is an outstanding way to explore a variety of career options and see what CASNR has to offer.

Academic interest areas featured at the open house include: agribusiness/agricultural economics; agricultural education/agricultural journalism/hospitality, restaurant and tourism management; agronomy; animal science; applied science; biochemistry; food science and technology; food technology for companion animals; forensic science; grazing livestock systems; horticulture; insect science; mechanized systems management/agricultural engineering/biological systems engineering; microbiology; natural resources, including applied sciences, environmental restoration science environmental studies, fisheries and wildlife, grassland ecology and management, natural resources and environmental economics and water science; PGA golf management; plant biology; turfgrass and landscape management; veterinary science; and the Engler Entrepreneurship program.

The Extension staff in Burt County encourage high school students to continue their career preparations by becoming a student in the College of Agricultural Science & Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Take the first step by attending “Experience the Power of Red”. To pre-register before the September 24 deadline call 1-800-742-8800 (Ext 2541) or register on-line athttp://casnr.unl.edu/openhouse. Don’t miss this great opportunity.

#4HGivesBig

Round up your friends, select a project your community needs and complete the project on October 3-4 in order to take part in the #4HGivesBig event. Results of your project can be reported to: www.4h.unl.edu/4hcommunityserviceprojectmap  The examples on the web page show projects bigger than a one or two day event, but they can give project ideas for your group to consider from little ones to very BIG ones! This would be a great kickoff for National 4-H Week which is October 4-10. See what your club and/or friends can come up with!

Kennedy Pagels demonstrates how one GPS satellite orbit picks up the GPS signal while Larry Howard, Nebraska Extension Educator and Julie Crandall, Extension Assistant in Cuming County explain that at least 3 satellites need to pick up your signal in order to triangulate your position.

Nebraska Extension Associate, Mary Loftis helps Oakland-Craig 5th graders understand how to use a compass at the GPS workshop in West Point.

Larry Howard, Nebraska Extension Educator in Cuming County explains how to use a compass to these Oakland-Craig 5th graders during the GPS workshop in West Point.

Mary Loftis, Nebraska Extension Associate works with Tekamah-Herman 5th graders on how to use a compass at the GPS workshop in West Point.