I recently won a grant from Michael Jordan Foundation to teach kids about real world mathematics. The lesson I submitted involved GPS technology and mapping programs.

Now I need to spend his $$$. I am looking for 15-20 BASIC GPS units. I dont need something fancy, and want to keep the cost down so I can get more units. Anyone know of a decent price on a decent unit? Even a place that will cut me a deal because I plan on buying so many? I also need a user friendly mapping program that middle school kids could operate. I thought I'd turn to the experts!

Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Hey Elk-

Last year we bought a GPS for my F.I.L from this place:

http://www.tigergps.com/gpsreceivers.html

I remembered that they sell Bulk, look for number at bottom of page. They also have info about bulk orders on their "about Tiger GPS" page. They were good folks, call em up and see what they will do for ya.

Garmin makes a nice low end price gps and good software.

But, why don't you send mail to their media contacts and try to get some or all of it donated.

http://www.garmin.com/pressroom/mediaContacts.html

My guess is that they'd be interested in the lesson plan that you are putting together.

http://www.thegpsstore.com/

I saved a $100.00 on my Garmin GPSMAP 76
from this site.

Try the gps store. Prices are about the same as most online retailers but it has a great comparison chart that you may find handy.

The GPS store comparison chart

Why don't you try contacting the district sales manager for Garmin or Magellan, and see if they have a schools and scouts program.

I'd suggest doing the same for Lowrance, but my experience has been poor with them over recent years.

elkrun,have a friend who is a rep for megelan products, page me at 253.291.2744 and amybe we can hook u two up. or try your local sporting goods store and talk with the manager the store may also want in on your comminity project.

Hey Elkrun... That is fantastic!!!

One idea may be to contact Costco... right now (at least at mine) they have a really nice Magellan... for I think $300 but it comes with both their MapSend and their MapSend Topo software... each of which is normally $99

Costco has worked with a lot of educational programs locally and with schools to help educate kids... it may be worth a call or try...

Good Luck!!!

And again great job!

I got mine on EBAY. It was a $200 unit everywhere I looked and I got it for $140. New in the box. It looked like some people had a surplus as they had several for sale from the same person. It was a Garmin Legend.

You guys are great!

Thats a great list of ideas and contacts to get me started. I also appreciate the emails and all the legwork some of you did getting me contact people and phone numbers! I'll be sure to post an update on what I end up doing and even try and post an outline of what we will be learning with GPS technology...

Thanks again!