🛰️ A map in your pocket!
Have you ever wondered how your cell phone knows exactly where you are? It’s all possible thanks to GPS, an amazing technology that uses satellites to locate you on the planet. In this lesson, you’ll find out how it works and why even Einstein had something to do with it. Let’s explore it!
🗺️ What is GPS?
GPS stands for Global Positioning System.
It’s a technology that uses satellites orbiting the Earth to know precisely where you are.
📡 Did you know…?
- GPS was created by the U. S. Department of Defense.
- Today we use it in cell phones, smart watches, cars and even airplanes!
When you use a GPS, your device receives signals from satellites and calculates where you are in the world. It’s like having an invisible map that always knows your location!
📐 How does it work?
GPS uses a technique called trilateration.
Imagine you’re in an open field and you want to know where you are, but with your eyes closed. Three friends stand at different points and whistle at you. Depending on how loud you hear the whistles, you can tell how far away they are – and if you draw those distances on a map, you can find your exact location!
🛰️ This is how GPS does it:
- It uses signals from at least 4 satellites.
- Calculate the distance to each one.
- Draw “invisible circles” from each satellite.
- where those circles intersect, there’s you!
⏰ Einstein and GPS
Here comes the most surprising part:
Albert Einstein didn’t create GPS, but he helped make it work well!
Einstein explained with his Theory of Relativity that time can move faster or slower depending on the location. Since satellites are far away and move very fast, time there is different than on Earth!
📏 If we don’t adjust the satellite clocks with Einstein’s ideas, the GPS could be wrong up to 10 kilometers every day! 😱
📍 What do we use GPS for?
Here are some uses of GPS that you may know about:
🧭 Navigation
- Find routes when you’re lost.
- Gives turn-by-turn directions.
- Replaces paper maps.
🏃♂️ Sport & Adventure
- Measures distances and routes when running or cycling.
- Mark special spots in nature.
👨👩👧 Personal safety
- Lets you know where your family members are.
- Helps in emergencies or if someone gets lost.
🧠 Amazing GPS inventions!
🌟 GPS doesn’t just tell you where you are-it’s in lots of cool inventions!
- Drones that fly themselves and take pictures from the sky.
- Cars that drive themselves and know which way to go.
- Smart watches that count your steps and help you sleep better.
🤓 Curiosities
📡 The first GPS satellite was launched in 1978.
🛰️ The GPS system has at least 24 satellites in space.
🌎 It works anywhere in the world if there is connection with at least 4 satellites.
🚀 Even astronauts use it in space!
🎯 It can tell where you are with a range of just a few meters.
▶️ Watch this video to learn more
🧠 Your mind in action
💬 Reflect:
- What do you think would be more difficult if GPS didn’t exist?
- Why do you think time changes depending on where you are, as Einstein explained?
- Do you know of any apps or games that use GPS, how do you use it?
🎯 Explorer Challenge:
Take a short tour (it can be your block or the park) with the help of a GPS-enabled app. Mark on a map the places you pass by. what did you discover, did you guide yourself well?
🔍 Want to know more?
Other topics you may want to research:
- What is an artificial satellite?
- How are satellites launched into space?
- What other famous theories did Albert Einstein propose?
- How do self-driving cars work?
- What is the difference between GPS and other technologies such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?
🎨 Show what you know
Choose one or more activities to capture your learning:
✏️ Draw a picture of what you think GPS looks like working from space to Earth.
📘 Write a short story about a boy or girl who gets lost in the woods and uses GPS to get home.
🎥 Record a video explaining in your own words how GPS works, as if you were a scientific youtuber.
🧩 Create a board game where players must reach a place using clues with GPS coordinates.
You can include this lesson in the school portfolio if the student completes activities from "Your mind in action", "Want to know more?", or "Show what you know", and keeps evidence of the work done (photos, writings, recordings, etc.).
🎁 In addition, if you are a subscriber, you can evaluate and grade this lesson using the downloadable guide available in your account.
