GEOGRAPHY

Valpo man turns friend’s tragic death into a way to help others
This article explains how waypoints and locators can help save lives in rugged areas like Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. With few recognizable markers, injured hikers or runners may not be able to give first-responder medical personnel accurate information on where they are. Simple signs posted throughout the park give waypoints, which coordinate with maps used by the local 911 system.

Discussion ideas:

• Read our encyclopedic entry on waypoints. What waypoints do students use in their community?
• Are there any places in your community that do not have easily recognizable waypoints, such as wilderness areas like Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore? How would students give information to ambulance drivers responding to an emergency in the area?

Note: We’re experimenting with a new feature here on the NG Education Blog. “Current Event Connection” posts will connect educators with news stories and relevant discussion ideas featuring content from the NG Education website.