Enrichment at the Doorstep of University - The Einstein GPS Project

Abstract

Satellite navigation is one of the rare technical applications which is strongly influenced by both Einstein’s special and general theories of relativity: Satellite navigation requires a change to the frequencies of atomic clocks on board GPS satellites compared to the clocks on the ground. The intention of the Einstein GPS project is to investigate quantitatively how much adjustment the satellite clocks require. The project was initiated by the DLR_School_Lab Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany, based on its expertise both in the technical field of satellite navigation and in educating highly talented secondary school students. A 12th grade physics course at the CJD Christophorusschule Königswinter in Germany was introduced to Einstein’s theory of relativity on the one hand, and to satellite based navigation on the other hand. Based on this knowledge a group of four students derived the frequency shift of the GPS satellite clocks and the consequences thereof. The project was carried out in the Year of Physics 2005; the results were presented at the Einstein Students’ Congress in Munich in December 2005. Based on the experience gained in this project, practical guidelines for teachers are provided on how to fascinate and motivate highly gifted students to become involved in challenging subjects and how toorganize and carry out such a project