Free Inquiry post #1

For my free inquiry, I plan to explore and create different lesson plans about Outdoor Navigation. My Free Inquiry will include the history, indigenous perspectives, observational awareness, and different tools – like GPS applications on electronic tablet (if accessible to the class), a compass, and maps. I am interested in creating lesson plans that can follow the curriculum in different aspects.

For the tablet portion, I would like to bring to mind two applications that students can use: Google Maps and Gaia GPS. This could include ideas to create a lesson on how to understand and read the applications, or simply how to follow directions. One activity could involve following a set of directions phrase by phrase in order to get to a destination. Here are the links: https://www.gaiagps.com/ and https://www.google.com/maps . Both are free versions. This will depend on whether students have access to tablets or not.

I will also be including some options that consider the universal design for learning during navigation outdoors.

As well, I will be researching the basic science of how Global Positioning Systems work.

Professor Randy has also suggested that I could make an activity like a treasure/scavenger hunt. This could involve following directions and also using observational skills.

I am also interested in ways in which students can go outdoors, gather information in terms of locating places or objects, and create their own maps or research journals that assist in navigation. One challenge will be finding compasses. During my discussion with Randy, we mentioned outdoor stores or scouts organizations.

Understanding navigation and topography/geography without electronics will explore the history and different cultural perspectives. This way students can gain an awareness the different possibilities as well as how how to navigate and problem solve while moving around in an environnement.

Since I do not know what grade placement I will have for my practicum, the reflections will be flexible/adaptable to different learners from K-8.

I look forward to sharing my thought processes in the blog about creating lesson plans about navigation!