Standard of Inquiry: Direct Observation

1) Gather information from direct observations
      · Display data in appropriate format (e.g. graphs, tables, charts, diagrams)

This part of the standard is to be completed in the math curriculum.

I. Compass/Map work
      a) Explain basic compass and orienteering techniques
      b) Explain the scaling of maps and the use of ratios
            · Activity 1): Construct a map of the classroom or cafeteria on lined paper with the use of a measuring device and compass. Determine fixed points in the room and appropriately scale down all elements.
            · Activity 2): Take bearings between fixed positions in the room.
      c) Explain the use of the compass plotters and triangulation.
            · Activity 1): Do plotter readings of the same compass readings in the earlier activity.
      · Activity 2): Triangulate two bearing readings from fixed positions.

II. Map projections of the U.S. and world.
      a) Discussion of different map projections.
            · Latitude/Longitude
            · Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)
            · Cadastral Surveying (Township/Range)
      b) Explain U.S.G.S. maps and contour lines.
      c) Conversions between projections.
            · Activity 1): Convert from Lat/Long decimal degrees to degree/minute/second and plot on U.S.G.S. maps using scaled template.
            · Activity 2): Convert Lat/Long points on map into UTM coordinates using UTM template.
            · Activity 3): Plot Cadastral readings on U.S.G.S. maps and convert to UTM's.

III. Scent Post Survey data analysis
      a) Creating rations from collected data and discuss bar graphs.
            · Activity 1): Display collected data in a bar graph
      b) Discuss conversions to decimals.
            · Activity 1): Convert all data ratios into decimal and percent equivalents.
      c) Discuss pie graphs and converting decimals to degrees.
            · Activity 1): Convert decimals to degrees and create a pie graph.