Digital Observation Technology Skills (DOTS)
Program Overview and Goals
For More Information...More details about the DOTS program, kit lending service, or recent program updates can be found by visiting the WI 4-H Environmental Education website
While the DOTS program is perfectly adapted to the diverse and scenic landscape of the Upham Woods property, the program lesson and tools are easily scalable to fit into a variety of indoor and outdoor laboratories. Creativity and diversity of student interests could make the DOTS technology kits the perfect tools for almost any environmental education lesson plan.
To learn more about the DOTS program, including how to incorporate the DOTS program into your next Upham Woods visit, contact Justin Hougham for more information.
To be involved in upcoming DOTS technology professional development workshops at Upham Woods, please visit our adult education page.
The DOTS Kits
The DOTS kits provide unique, hands-on opportunities for students to explore details of their environment using modern technology tools that help to turn the invisible, visible.
Tools and Student Scientific Roles
Navigator (GPS unit)
– “Global” view of project, provides direction
Media Specialist (video/ digital camera)
– Captures the story to share with others
Meteorologist (pocket weather meter)
– Studies weather patterns
Microbiologist (digital microscope)
– Studies the details of the “small” world
Thermal Imager/ Investigator (infrared thermometer and imager)
– Searches for temperature differences in the study area
– Motion sensitive trail cams stationed at each waypoint capture animal activity 24 hours a day
The tools found inside the DOTS kits were each selected with specific criteria in mind. Some of these important tool design considerations include:
- Memory – the ability to store and easily transfer the data it collects to other platforms.
- Power – powered by removable and interchangeable battery sources
- Portability – small, lightweight and cordless
- Off-line – does not require internet connectivity to achieve full functionality
- Dedicated device – each tool has a single data role and function
- Platform neutral – tools not tied to a single computer operating system
- Digital artifact – the ability to collect and save data imagery to limit the need to remove material from the field
DOTS In Action Photo Gallery