Powder River County To Host Geospatial Skills Camp For 9th & 10th Grade Youth

By PR Extension Office

Ever wonder how drones are programmed to fly a certain pattern? Or, how the Next Generation 911 works, how weather forecast maps are produced, or how to use GPS to mark and map a noxious weed infestation? These topics and more will be explored at the Geospatial Skills Camp offered in Broadus the week of June 10th-14th, according to MSU Extension Agents Mary Rumph and Julie Riley.

MSU Powder River Extension has partnered with MSU Science Math Resource Center to organize and facilitate the camp. It is funded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research.

The hands-on, fun camp is for rising 9th and 10th graders and includes topics such as:

• maps for analysis and navigation;

• collecting, analyzing and disseminating imagery from terrestrial, satellite and other sources;

• awareness of the skills and required credentials for piloting UAVs;

• remote sensing;

• basic electronics and circuitry related to sensor development and use; and

• geospatial analysis tools.

Students will learn about potential career pathways and fields of study related to geospatial science and engineering, particularly those connected to the Air Force and other organizations that offer employment in rural areas.

A registration fee of $50 is due by May 1st. Enrollment is limited to ten students. Participants who complete the course will receive $100 in STEM equipment and their registration fee refunded. Contact the Powder River Extension Office at 436-2424 or email powderriver@ prco.mt.gov.