By Dave Thompson
Bismarck, ND – Janice Kanwischer calls it the "GPS - X Marks the Spot" project.
She teaches fifth and sixth grade in the Fessenden-Bowdon school.
"I wanted the students to experience new technology," said Kanwischer. "So, I came up with the idea of using GPS technology to identify trees in our area -- especially the conifers -- that have a fungus. We want to create a grid, identifying all the trees that have this fungus."
Kanwischer says her students are pretty excited about the project.
"Kids are technology-savvy," said Kanwischer. "The like hands-on experiences. And they're like sponges -- the absorb new ideas easily."
Kanwischer says an NDSU horticulturalist will teach the students how to identify the fungus -- and she's hoping that trees can be saved.
Qwest has given Kanwischer $2500 to purchase the GPS devices.