Integration of GIS in the Classroom

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Integration of GIS in the Classroom

• Ron Robinson
• Pioneer High School
• Ann Arbor, Michigan

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Integration Issues

• Problems to overcome
• Prep time
• Lesson integration
• District adoption
• Benefits of GIS
• Cost

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Problems to Overcome

• State objectives
• District guide lines on curriculum
• Availability of hardware
• Availability of software
• Your GIS background
• Student technology issues
• Getting data

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State Objectives

• MEGOSE
• Example EG 13 Use the plate tectonics theory
  to explain features of the earths surface and
  geological phenomena
• Example EAW 11 Explain changes in climate over
  long periods of time

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State Objectives

• Example C13 Develop questions or problems for
  investigation that can be answered empirically
• Example C15 Design and conduct scientific
  investigations

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State Objective

• Example C18 Recognize and Explain the
  limitations of measurement devices
• Example C19 Gather and synthesize information
  from books and other sources of information

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District Guide Lines on Curriculum

• Link to MEGOSE
• GIS can be used in every subject
• Formal adoption process

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Hardware

• Platforms and OS
• Networks
• Printing
• Getting hardware

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Software

• Arcview (Mac/PC)
• Arcvoyager (Mac/PC)
• Terrain Navigator
• DLGViewer
• Fieldworker for GPS

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Your GIS Background

• VISIT
• Online courses with ESRI
• EMU courses
• Books / Magazines / etc..
• Other

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Student Technology Issues

• Willingness to try something different
• Homework
• Lab setup

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Getting Data

• Internet (GIS Datapost)
• USGS
• Semcog
• Your county
• Use your networking skills (VISIT)

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Prep Time

• Normal lesson prep as long as you are familiar
  with the software package (speaking the language
  of Arcview)
• Time to get your data
• Link to state objectives
• 1-2 hours per lesson

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Lesson Integration

• Alignment with subject matter at the right time
  of year
• Year round approach (10 lessons)
• Extended project (several weeks per topic)

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Lesson Integration

• Start small and work your way up
• You may want to use other lessons before you
  make your own
• You can always expand if you have more time
• Training for students and other staff

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Lesson Ideas

• Problems within subject matter
• Relevant topics
• Timely news

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Lesson Ideas

• Community problems
• Problems that impact the community where students
  live
• Problems that students help solve to make their
  community better

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Earth Science Scope Sequence

• Chapter 7Mapping (Oct-Nov)
• 1) What is GIS
• 2) Coordinate Systems
• 3) Lat./ Lon. And Map Projections
• Chapters 8-11Ground Water/Landforms(Feb-Mar)
• Huron Watershed
• US Landforms

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Earth Science Scope Sequence

• Chapters 13-15 Plate Tectonics (Mar-Apr)
• Earthquakes around the World
• 2) Bedrock of Michigan and the Mid-West
• Chapter 26-30 Weather (Apr-May)
• Weather Fronts
• Climate Patterns
• Blown Away

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District Adoption

• Have a plan
• Start small
• Resources
• Stay up with the times

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District Plan

• Year one Earth Science 9th grade
• Year two Biology 10th grade
• There are lessons available even for grade school!

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District Plan
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Benefits of GIS

• Rise in test scores
• Infusion of technology into new areas
• Career paths
• The Effectiveness of GIS in high school
• Education by Steve Warner and Joseph Kerski 1999

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Costs

• Hardware?
• Arcview software
• Your time

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Questions?
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Thank You