Minnesota Learners and Geographic Technologies
An Extension to Minnesota-China Connection
Learning Activities
Sara E. Damon, Stillwater Area High School, Stillwater,
MN
MN Alliance for Geographic Education http://www.macalester.edu/geography/mage
GeoJourneys K-12 GIS Consulting http://www.geojourneysgis.com
Minnesota Academic Standards in Social Studies ask middle and
high school students to think spatially by using maps, globes, geographic
information systems and other sources of information to analyze the
natures of places at a variety of scales.
Geographic technologies provide powerful spatial inquiry tools
not only for geography, but also for disciplines such as history,
political science, economics, earth science, environmental science
and agricultural education. Nearly all current issues or problems
have a spatial component. Spatial thinkers ask: Where? Why there?
Why care?
Geographic technologies (geotechnologies) are now part of everyday
life. We view satellite photos of hurricane damage, use a Map Quest
map to navigate to a destination and drive cars equipped with OnStar.
By integrating geotechnology tools into the K-12 curriculum, we
engage students in dynamic spatial thinking processes and help create “thinking
explorers” for a 21 st Century society and workforce. According
to the U.S. Department of Labor, geotechnologies are now one of three
key emerging and evolving fields in the U.S. labor market, along
with biotechnology and nanotechnology.
What are Geotechnologies?
- Remote Sensing: The science of acquiring, processing and
interpreting digital measurements of electromagnetic energy.
Examples: aerial and satellite photos.
- Internet Maps and Imagery: GIS maps and remotely sensed
images that a user can customize online. Examples: National
Geographic Map Machine, Google Earth.
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS): A system of computer
hardware and software used to view and analyze spatial data.
Examples: ESRI’s ArcVoyager, ArcExplorer and ArcView,
MN Land Management Information Center’s MN Environmental
Atlas.
- Global Positioning Systems (GPS): A network of satellites
established by the U.S. military. A GPS receiver can receive
satellite signals and calculates its exact location. Location
is communicated in a coordinate system such as latitude and
longitude. GPS data can be used with GIS.
These Minnesota-China Connection lessons include references
to Geotechnologies:
Social Studies - Reading Maps: National Geographic Map Machine,
Earth Browser
Social Studies - Trade Partners: National Geographic Map Machine
Social Studies - Area and Population Density: U.S. Census Bureau
American Factfinder, Minnesota Datanet
Mathematics - What’s the Weather? Earth Browser
General Research - WebQuest Activity - MN Travel Itinerary WebQuest:
Yahoo Maps
General Research - WebQuest Activity - China Travel Itinerary WebQuest:
Yahoo Maps
Resources for further exploration of Geotechnologies:
A Sampling of Map and Image Servers
Free, Downloadable GIS Software from ESRI (Environmental
Systems Research Institute)
GIS Software from the MN Land Management Information
Center (LMIC)
- Minnesota Environmental Atlas. User-friendly,
data-rich, GIS software tool available free to teachers.
Included are more than 250 layers of Minnesota data including
digitized aerial photos and topographic maps. http://www.mnplan.state.mn.us/EPPL7/.
Low-cost Desktop GIS Software from ESRI
Curriculum
First Steps for Teachers
- Minnesota Alliance for Geographic Education (MAGE) . MAGE
is an organization of educators and professionals who share
a commitment to quality education and the expansion of geography
education. http://www.macalester.edu/geography/mage/
- Forthcoming report from the National Research Council, “Learning
to Think Spatially: GIS as a Support System in the K-12 Curriculum”. http://www.nap.edu/catalog/11019.html
- Websites : http://www.gis.com, http://www.gisday.com
- GeoTech MN Workshop for Educators . 2005 event to be held
Saturday, November 19 th at Como Park High School, St. Paul,
MN. An introduction to geotechnologies (GeoTech) including
Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning
Systems (GPS), and satellite imagery. Presentations and displays
feature free and low-cost options for integrating GeoTech
into the K-12 curriculum. Hands-on sessions designed for
both beginning and intermediate users. Registration materials
available at http://www.macalester.edu/geography/mage/teachers/index.htm
- Firewise Communities Project and Teacher Training . The
MN DNR / MN Alliance for Geographic Education "Firewise
Communities: Reducing the Risk of Wildfire" project
engages students in assessing communities for wildfire risk
with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and GPS (Global
Positioning Systems). 3-day teacher trainings to be offered
again in summer 2006. Training sessions include content instruction
on wildfire, Firewise and the Urban/Wildland Interface, and
hands-on technology training in GIS and GPS. For more information,
see: http://www.macalester.edu/geography/mage/teachers/institutes/firewise/index.htm
Second Steps for Teachers
- GIS Education List-servs.
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