The introduction to GIS: a preparatory workshop was held June 26-27, 2014 in Martin Professional Development Center, Nashville Tennessee. There were 4 participants in the workshop. Each teacher was provided with a three-ring binder of workshop materials, a ESRI GIS book as well as geospatial data and activities on thumb drives.

By taking this workshop, teachers learned how to get their students outside collecting real world data that they can use in project-based learning (PBL) activities using the technologies of STEM professionals. In this workshop, teachers developed basic skills using GPS units, free online mapping software and ArcGIS Desktopthrough example classroom activities that they can do with their students for data collection, map creation and basic spatial analysis for projects and reports. In addition, teachers also had the opportunity to create hands-on activities and curriculum for their classrooms with assistance from Professor Janey Camp at Vanderbilt University.

During the workshop, teachers participated in the following activities:

Day 1 – Overview, GIS Basics, Data Collection, and Basic ArcGIS.com

• History of GIS, Careers in GIS
• Collecting Spatial Data with GPS
• Introduction to ArcGIS.com (Mapping your Data)
• Story Maps, ArcGIS Online Org Accounts

Day 2 – Data, ArcGIS Desktop, Mobile Devices, and Curriculum Development

• Data Sources, Types, and Formats and Coordinate Systems
• Introduction to ArcGIS Desktop
• Using Mobile Devices for Data Collection – ArcGIS Online
• Additional Practice with ArcGIS Online Org or ArcGIS Desktop
• Activity Development/Curriculum Development
• Feedback Session

The MPDC Workshop was a great success with teachers’ fully participating in all the hands-on activities. Teachers found this workshop to be beneficial for future classes, because all the activities are engaging, low-cost and allow for hands-on exploration of the world around us.

Each teacher received a completion certificate and a stipend provided by the Middle TN STEM Innovation Hub (MTSIH) in addition to the workshop materials. Click here to see some sample activities developed by teachers enrolled in the course.