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Education is constantly evolving and changing. New theories, techniques, and strategies are developed every day as innovative teachers consider original, exciting ways to make learning come alive. However, in spite of the constant innovation surrounding the world of education, no one would have ever expected that GPS tracking would enter a teacher’s bag of tricks. Despite all odds, this modern technology has come into the classroom through the venue of science as it is used to track the movements of glaciers.

In November of 2010 a scientific team made up of professionals from several institutions, including the University of Kansas, installed a series of GPS trackers in the Byrd Glacier, a large piece of moving ice found in Antarctica. These trackers, which are typically used to track the movements of people and valuable property, were repurposed for use on the glacier. It is the hope the involved professionals that using navigation technology will significantly advance scientific understanding about the movements of massive polar glaciers.

From global warming to deforestation, there seems to be an ever-increasing awareness of the environment, and in recent years, climate change has been a hugely hot issue. To further investigate the effects of a changing global climate, GPS is being utilized to monitor the minutest of movements exhibited by the Antarctic glaciers. Extremely sensitive to tiny changes in weather and precipitation, glaciers provide a fascinating opportunity to study the potential effects of climate change.

For several months the installed GPS trackers will reside in Byrd Glacier, storing up a wellspring of invaluable information. In February, when the trackers are removed, scholars will then upload and carefully study the gathered data to see what they can garner from this test about the potential climate change. Scientists have high hopes that these tests will yield measurable results that can be utilized in planning for the future.

Educators are eagerly waiting in the wings to discover the results of the Byrd Glacier testing. Here is a new and wonderful opportunity to teach students about the wonders of technology in discovering scientific information. But will students be ready for what they discover? Is catastrophe at our doorstep? GPS technology may be able to assist us in determining the answer to this question. No more are these trusty devices merely used for locating missing persons. They may in fact be a key element in protecting the planet.

Article Written by Greg Bartlett