Meredith Watson

Watson's "Compass to Computers" school mapping project teaches students about real world applications of science and technology through the use of global positioning system (GPS) receivers. Students use the GPS receivers to generate spatial and blueprint data of locations in and around the school and campus, and then create individualized digital maps based on the data they define and record. In conjunction with the school's technology department, the maps then are posted on the school's Web site for access by students, parents and teachers. The project helps students understand how the use of a global technology can have a local application in their lives and community. Students also learn about the importance of quality control, as the accuracy of their initial data collection, mathematical calculations and data entry directly impact the success of their final products.