When gathering information and examining data related to any issue, GIS helps provide an important framework for placing that data into context and deriving insights. GIS and spatial analytics allows students to see interactions by mapping that data; providing a glimpse not only into physical location, but how places are related to one another and how they interact. GIS helps detect and analyze patterns, leading to better predictions about trends. Using spatial components of any data set gives a more holistic view of the problems at-hand, enhancing decision-making. And, geo-analytics empowers the concurrent study of attributes and spatial relationships to discover anomalies in data and identify outliers. As we strive to enhance critical thinking skills in our students, this type of analysis is a powerful skill.
GIS Project Details
During the project, the entire class hops onto buses and heads an hour east to the headquarters of Esri, makers of the ArcGIS technology supporting their project. Student groups give lightning talks on their topics (with every student speaking), to Esri President Jack Dangermond, other Esri staff, and a growing audience of regional educators and influencers. They hear about GIS and GIS people—from Dangermond and others—and see how their work can inform the community, illuminate patterns, and spark change. As Jack Dangermond told the Roosevelt students, “Understanding precedes action.”
By springtime, the students have used numerous maps and apps, made maps, created data, built tables of geographic features and published them online, and crafted custom presentations. When the research project launches in earnest, some learn their topics offer too much data, while others grapple with the opposite—a question needing intensive data collection by cataloging objects or surveying people.
As the project nears its culmination, the adjoining classrooms of Im and Ramirez buzz for a few weeks as students tweak topics; wrestle with data; scour banks of diverse layers, seeking patterns and relationships; and share techniques they have learned. Even outside of class time, students collaborate across a spectrum of devices (often several at once) honing their maps, writing their 20-page documents, and crafting an hour-long lesson they will teach twice to school and community.
This project was another resounding success, with five students invited to present their findings to the California Department of Education on GIS Day, November 16.
Any school can take advantage of the latest mapping technologies and training for their students and teachers alike, and use these same tools for free. As part of President Obama’s ConnectED Initiative, Esri has made available for no cost dozens of starting activities and maps called GeoInquiries. Esri has also offered for free to every US K12 school an ArcGIS Online Organization account, just like what Roosevelt uses, and over 4000 Organization accounts are in place in schools.
With training, technology, and lessons created, any school can offer their students the benefits that come from a strong technology-based education.
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