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Challenge Team Abstract
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Team Number: 065 School Name: Central High School Area of Science: Environmental Science Project Title: A River Runs Through It |
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Last year, our group began a project in which we shared a common interest. We started an intricate program that would have many factors involved. For instance, data was gathered from a one mile span from the San Juan River. A GPS (Global Positioning System) unit would be used to accurately plot twelve points of data on the earth's surface. Through this data collecting, we learned more about the technology in the GPS unit and also how to use it to our benefit. Using C++, our program included plotted points, which could be inputted into the program. With research from each individual of our team about radiation existing in rivers, the program would, theoretically, calculate approximate amounts of radiation at areas between the plotted points.
Some team members were able to attend a GPS conference where they received hands on experience about the GPS unit and the many steps involved to have a finalized product that could be easily read. Also, these team members were advantageous again when they heard speakers tell how their careers use the GPS unit and how their careers are changing because of the GPS unit. Two of the team members were the highlight of the conference in that they were the concluding speakers telling everyone else how our team was using the GPS for our Supercomputers project.
Other team members at various times took the liberty to visit Dr. Isley of Navajo Community College to refresh their memories and learn more about the elaborate process of processing the data from the GPS unit and GIS unit. They learned that time is essential for results that must be consciously attained through the internet and downloaded into the computer. From there, the data is manipulated until finally when the points are plotted and the data is overlalpped with an existing map. Therefore, relationships of the acquired data and a creditable map can be easilly seen (and very accurately).
At the present, our prospects are continuing. This year, we hope to collect data samples that will be used in the final program. We have, however, completed a C++ program that works. Using twelve simple graphing points, made up of radiation containment, our program works accurately. First, our program asks the user the x and y coordinates at which it wants to discover the interpolated radiation value. Using sets of 'if' statements, the program figures out between what two collected points that the inputed point is contained. Upon discovering this, next comes the interpolation formula. This formula involves first making right triangle from the given points and the new point. Next, it multiplies the difference in radiation points content by the slope of the larger triangle. Lastly, it takes this new value and divides it by the negative slope at the larger triangle.(example: ((w*m1)-(a3*m))/-m)
We plan on finishing our project in this years challenge. We want to continue researching the GPS and GIS equipment that we will be using to gather our data. We also hope to further understand radiation and its effects on the environment. We learned a lot last year and hope to be able to actually go out and work closely with the GPS and Gis units to gather the information we need and come up with a simplified program that works correctly.
Team Members
Sponsoring Teachers
Project Advisor(s)
- Dr. Doug Isley
