Dr. West's GPS Legacy

Matthew·

Mathematics

Preview

At a Glance

SubjectMathematics

Original Prompt

Dr. Gladys West & The GPS: The Hidden Figure of Tech A reading and geography packet focusing on Dr. Gladys West, whose mathematical modeling of the Earth's shape paved the way for GPS technology. Include a mapping activity where students use coordinates (latitude/longitude) to find locations, directly connecting her work to the lesson. This is incredibly niche but highly relevant for a tech-focused generation that relies on Google Maps daily.

This resource explores the significant contributions of Dr. Gladys West, an American mathematician, to the development of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. It covers her educational journey, the application of her advanced mathematical skills at the U.S. Naval Proving Ground, and details her work on the geoid, which is the mathematical model of Earth's shape necessary for accurate GPS calculations. The resource includes learning goals focused on connecting West's mathematical modeling to real-world mapping applications, encourages critical thinking about her legacy, and teaches coordinate mapping skills through practical activities.