Yesterday I gave the last of my GPS talks at Conn for this school year. I went into it thinking it would be like the last one, where the kids were bored and unengaged (I found out later that because I was a bit late, the kids felt denied a free trip to the playground). I also thought I would be tired of hearing myself talk.
Instead it was the best talk I’ve given yet! The kids were engaged and so was I. I got many good questions from the kids, some of which I’d not gotten before. They were practically falling out of their seats to answer them! The thing that really impressed me was when I asked if anyone knew what a sextant was. One young man began explaining how you line up the its two mirrors to get a fix. Wow! It takes a special kind of fifth-grader to know that! Heck, most adults don’t know that. Also. when I mentioned that GPSs don’t work inside, another young man asked how some mobile phones show your position when you’re inside. It was a very good question!
I had to end my talk a bit early as there was a school meeting that afternoon but it turns out I timed my talk just right and was done right on time. Mrs. Jarrett inquired if I would be back next year and I have to say I will. I’ve had a blast talking to Conn students about GPS and look forward to next year!