Figure 1. Dr. De Cola, who organized a trip on the Potomac River for the interns to learn about GPS, uses (global positioning system used for navigation and tying geographic coordinates to maps and imagery), as well as other geographic information systems and remote sensing applications.

1) Dr. De Cola explains the details about his GPS and its applications.

2) With a view of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the background, the Interns listen attentively to the professor’s lecture on the region and its history, GPS technology, as well as safety precautions on the water.

3) Mario and Bram are ready to go, underneath the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

4) Dr. De Cola talks further about the history of the Georgetown Canal.

5) Dr. De Cola links the GPS points to the lap top.

6) Bram enjoys the last few moments at the site.

7) While on Roosevelt Island, Vanessa leads the group to the monument using the GPS to guide her.

8) Paddling towards the Georgetown Canal.

9) Students and Dr. De Cola determine if there are any bench marks on Theodore Roosevelt Island.

10) Dr. De Cola and Leroy have a nice view of Rosslyn, Virginia.

Figure 2. In July 2007, during a very dry summer, Yolanda Fong-Sam and Janet Tilley, both USGS scientists, took the students for a rainy hike and picnic at Great Falls, Virginia. The rain did not stop our visitors from seeing the dramatic and beautiful river.

1) The Interns gather above the great river for a beautiful photo.

2) At this location, everyone are looking over the edge up Mather’s Gorge and down at the rock climbers and kayakers.

3) Erika finds shells where the stream flows into the Potomac.

4) The Interns are taken aback by the various heights of the floods there have occurred over the years.

5) JP prepares to pounce on everyone.

6) Students take a break from Matildaville Trail.

7) One of the kayakers enjoys challenging rapids.