Tips and Tricks for Using GIS in the Classroom

Teaching with New Geoscience ToolsVisualizations, Models, and Online Data

Feb 10-12, 2008University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Presented by: Michelle KinzelCampus GIS TA, M.S. Candidate,

Oregon State University

WHAT IS GIS?

Geographic Information System:A computer system capable of storing, accessing and displaying data describing places on the earth’s surface.

Geographic Information Science:

A discipline that incorporates cartography, remote sensing and geographic information science.

WHAT CAN GIS DO?

GIS can capture, store, update,

manipulate, analyze, and display all forms

of georeferenced data.

Information can include geographic,

social, political, environmental or

demographic data, all displayed on a map.

Geographic Inquiry

ADVANTAGES OF GIS

GIS maps....• are interactive• allow for exploration and inquiry• allow you to choose features of

interest for displayGIS provides a way to view the worldin ways pertinent to a specificindustry or topic.

ADVANTAGES OF GIS

GIS engages and exercises multiple capacities and intelligences

A. Critical thinking (ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate)B. Logical-mathematical intelligence

1. Numeracy 2. Technological capacity

C. Linguistic intelligence1. Literacy 2. Graphicacy

D. Spatial intelligence1. Map literacy

E. Interpersonal intelligence1. Communication

GIS SORTS AND STORES INFORMATION IN DATA

LAYERS

Images-Satellite Images

-Aerial Photos

Types of Data

Vector Data

-points, lines, & polygons

-eg. Cities, Roads, States

Raster Data

-“grid data” ; continuously sampled cells of data

-eg. Bathymetry, Elevation, Sea Surface Temperature

Why use GIS?

• GIS is about finding patterns.• Integrate data from a variety of

sources. • Answer questions of location:

Where? Why? How? • Solve problems.• See patterns and trends not

obvious in spreadsheet.

GIS TRACKS OUR WEATHER...

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS SEISMIC ACTIVITY INDEX

GIS CAN FORCAST GEOLOGICAL TRENDS...

GIS CAN MAP WILDLIFE POPULATIONS.....

GIS CAN TRACK TIDAL CHANGES ALONG A COASTLINE.......

GIS CAN TAKE YOU AROUND YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.......

AROUND YOUR CITY...........

Around your world!

Image courtesy of the National Air and Space Museum

Spatial Literacy

Spatial Thinkers

3-D Visualizations: Architecture, Medicine, Physics, Sciences

Spatial Literacy

• Concept of Space

• Tools of representation

• Process of reasoning

Using GIS to Study Your World

• Remote tool: study the world quickly and from afar

• Creates a “virtual world” inside your computer by integrating geographic data (where things are found) with its informational data (what is present).

• Data and maps can be updated instantaneously by the user

Learning to Think Spatially: GIS as a Support System in the K-12

Curriculum

Committee on Geography, National Resource Council

http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11019

GIS in Education

• students can understand spatial patterns, linkages, trends and processes on a local, regional or global scale.

• Possible to visually represent complex spatiotemporal relationships with GIS

• Taps into technological proficiency• Engages digital learners• It’s fun and exciting!

GIS in EducationList of Classroom Ideas

• Planning school bus routes based on student residences• Studying water consumption patterns in arid areas• Designing noise abatement buffer zones around an airport• Mapping current sewer service areas and projected need• Profiling present bank customers by branch office• Identifying telephone market territories across the country• Researching changing wildlife habitat in a national park• Modeling hurricane evacuation scenarios in a coastal city• Laying out neighborhood newspaper delivery routes• Analyzing patterns of toxic wastes in area soils• Documenting archaeological sites and findings• Viewing global vegetation cover from satellite images

Software OptionsESRI Products

AEJEE – Arc Explorer Java Edition for EducationFree Downloadable LessonsArcGIS Desktop 9.2ArcGIS Online

ESRI GIS Education Community Portal

Other Options

Acknowledgements

Thank you to Oregon State University,Department of Geosciences,On the Cutting EdgeNational Science Foundation

I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world. ~Albert Einstein Image courtesy of the National Air and Space Museum

DISCUSSION