1. Sample Activities and Handouts

Intro to Google Earth

GPS Activity – Archaeology

GPS Activity – Precip_Temp

From the Field to the Classroom – Collecting and Importing GPS Data to Google Earth

 

2. Presentations

GPS Activity – Litton Middle School

Geospatial Learning_TNGIC 2012

Middle TN Forum-TNGIC 2012

ORAU_STEM Academy_GIS for TN June 2012

GIS Careers

Mapping Geospatial Technologies to Core Curriculum Standards

 

3. Research Papers related to integrating GIS into K-12 education

 

An Investigation of Teacher and Student Perceptions and Student Academic Achievement

by Donna L. Goldstein

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to explore outcomes of a GIS/GPS integration process: to (a) examine student responses to GIS and GPS inclusion in their curriculum, (b) determine whether a relationship exists between inclusion of GIS into existing K-12 curriculum and student achievement, (c) examine the effectiveness of GIS professional development for teachers, and (d) evaluate teacher perceptions of the value of integrating GIS into their existing curricula.

 

Professional Development Teachers Use of GIS to Enhance Student Learning

by Patricia A. McClurg and Alan Buss

Abstract:

This article explains a professional development experience of fifth to twelfth grade teachers in using geographic information systems (GIS) and global positioning systems (GPS) technologies to enhance classroom teaching and learning environments. A key challenge faced by the developers was whether teachers would value the technology tools enough to warrant the time necessary to develop the skills for productive use of the technology. Based on five years’ experience, researchers identified seven key components and elaborated on them with examples and related processes.

 

Internet-Based GIS Mapping in Support of K-12 Education

by Thomas R. Baker

Abstract:

Internet-based mapping provides a powerful alternative for successfully establishing GIS technology in the K-12 education community, while simultaneously avoiding the traditional barriers associated with desktop GIS.  Internet-based GIS can support standards-based inquiry methods of teaching and learning while providing basic analysis tools for studying and exploring geographic or scientific data in the classroom. Key Words: GIS Education, Internet-based GIS, K-12 GIS.

 

The Development and Assessment of a Course for Enhancing the 3-D Spatial Visualization Skills of First Year Engineering Students

by Sheryl A. Sorby and Beverly J. Baartmans

Abstract:

In January 1993, we received NSF funding to develop a pre-graphics course for freshman engineering majors who are weak in 3-D spatial visualization skills. A text and computer lab exercises utilizing I-DEAS software were written specifically for this course. The course is 3-credits (quarter system) with two hours of lecture andtwo hours of computer lab each week. It was offered at Michigan Technological University (MTU) for the first time during the 1993 Fall term and has been offered each fall since that time. The objective of the course is to provide the prerequisite spatial skills needed by students to succeed in their subsequent engineering graphics courses. Assessment for the course has been continuous.  Recently, a six-year longitudinal study was conducted to determine the overall success of this project. This paper will describe the project and the assessment findings from the longitudinal study

 

Other References

Audet, R. H., and Abegg, G. L. Geographic information systems: Implications for problem solving. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 33: 21-45. 1996.
Bednarz, S. W., and Ludwig, G.  Ten things higher education needs to know about GIS in primary and secondary education.  Transactions in GIS.  2(2). 123-133. 1997.
ESRI 2012. www.esri.com.  Redlands, CA: Environmental Systems Research Institute.
Gerson, Helena P., Sorby, Sheryl  A., Wysocki, Anne, and Baartmans, Beverly J.  The Development and Assessment of Multimedia Software for Improving 2-D Spatial Visualization Skills.  Computer Applications in Engineering Education.  9(22) 102-113. 2001.
Meyer, J. W., Butterick, J., Olkin, M., & Zack, G.  GIS in the K-12 Curriculum : A Cautionary Note *.  Professional Geographer.  51(4): 571-578. 1999.
Sorby, Sheryl A., and Baartmans, Beverly J.  A Course for the Development of 3-D Spatial Visualization Skills.  Engineering Design Graphics Journal.  60(1). 13-20.  1996.

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