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Students explore:
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- latitude, longitude, and geographical and mathematical coordinate systems;
- fundamentals of modern GPS technology;
- how communications cable is laid and how this process changed how we communicate.
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Cable:Connect
How does cable technology work?
Students navigate the ocean to lay cable, and learn about latitude, longitude, and coordinate systems in the process!
In Cable:Connect students simulate laying transoceanic communications cable. During the game students play the role of an ocean cable ship captain. As they work to navigate the ship they must learn about latitudes, longitudes, and using coordinates to direct and lay the cable lines properly. As the line is placed they must also deal with the added challenge of maintaining the right tension on the line or spending extra money repairing a snapped line.
As they play the game, the decisions students make and the success they enjoy hinge largely on developing the geographical and spatial mathematics understandings that have been so important over the last century in which we have been laying communications cable. The incorporation of the value of GPS to precisely determine their location brings them to the present. The understanding of latitudes and longitudes, locating and plotting map coordinates, and using these understandings and abilities to navigate with a purpose in mind—these constitute core learning that will be valuable to students throughout their lives and in a variety of disciplines and undertakings.
Built for students in grades 4-7!
Correlated to national education standards!
- Standards for the English Language Arts
- National Educational Technology Standards for Students
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