The Use of a Global Positioning System in Biology and Environmental Physical Science Laboratories

该大学已经确定需要为生物和环境物理科学课程提供使用现代数据收集设备的真实现场体验。本项目在七个班级的实验室部分增加了一个全球定位系统（GPS）组件，这些实验室部分有一个野外组件。该课程由植物分类学/农学学生与生态学学生组成，进行植被识别和制图练习。环境地质学、环境地球化学和水文地质学学生汇编地质和水文数据，绘制潜在的土地利用图，确定污染物的来源和运动。学生们在学期结束时的联合海报会议上展示他们的成果。被选中的学生在地区会议或本科生研究委员会会议上展示他们的成果。目前正在与美国林务局共同选择实地地点；南达科他州狩猎、鱼类和公园部；和大自然保护协会。这些课程产生的现场数据将与这些机构和任何其他感兴趣的机构共享。

The university has identified the need to provide real-life field experiences using modern data gathering equipment for the Biology and Environmental Physical Science classes. This project adds a global positioning system (GPS) component to the laboratory sections of seven classes that have a field component. The classes team Plant Taxonomy/Agrostology students with Ecology students for vegetation identification and mapping exercises. Environmental Geology, Environmental Geochemistry, and Hydrogeology students compile geologic and hydrologic data to map potential land use and to determine sources and movements of pollutants. Students present their results at joint poster sessions at the conclusion of the semester. Selected students present their results at regional meetings or at the Council on Undergraduate Research meeting. Field sites are being chosen in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service; the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks Department; and The Nature Conservancy. Field data generated by the classes are being shared with these and any other interested institutions.