Geographic Information Systems
Getting, Learning, and Using GIS in the Classroom
Getting, Learning, and Using GIS in the Classroom
- I. GETTING free software
- ArcExplorer freely available software offers easy way to perform variety of basic GIS functions, including display, query, and data retrieval applications. http://www.esri.com/software/arcexplorer/about/overview.html
- Community Atlas Project earn free software or support books- information available at: http://www.esri.com/industries/k-12/atlas/learn.html
II. LEARNING the basics of the software
- ArcLessons is a resource for you to share Lesson Packs for using GIS in the classroom. Browse a list of lessons by category or use the search tools to find lessons in your area of interest at http://gis.esri.com/industries/education/arclessons/arclessons.cfm
- STAR-Online Staff Development Modules on ArcVoyager STAR-Online License and Subscriptions information at http://www.star-online.org/tk/about/license.jsp
- Bob Coulter- Missouri Botanical Garden Introductory workshops, "mapping" institutes, and the GIS Leadership Institute provide a coordinated professional development program for teachers- Dr. Bob Coulter.
- GIS Tutorials- links to six sites with tutorials on GIS from Cal Poly State University. http://www.lib.calpoly.edu/research/all_databases/gis/gis3.html
- III. USING GIS IN THE CLASSROOM
- Community Atlas Project in which teachers and students
define the nature of "their community" and post descriptions
and maps about it. There are three different projects- Community
Description, Community Conservation, and Community History. http://www.esri.com/communityatlas
- Hints:
- Start simple with basic maps and projects
- Give students ArcExplorer software to practice and hone skills
- Build projects to address community issues and involve community partners as new skills are developed
- Hints:
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- IV. Beyond software that comes packaged with GIS software
- While ESRI software has a lot of free data sets, there is
a wealth of free information and data available online. See-
GIS Links- http://c-hawks.org/gis/index.html- Modified: 14 November 2006
Contact: jxjt@greene.k12.il.us