Introduction to Geographic Information Systems for Austin-Area K-12 Teachers

The University of Texas at Austin, January 22, 2005, 9am-5pm, Sutton Hall
Barbara M. Parmenter, Instructor
Community and Regional Planning, School of Architecture, The University of Texas at Austin

Program
9:00 - 10:00 am - GIS Overview (meet in Sutton 2.102)
Purpose of workshop
GIS approaches for the K12 classroom: purchase software licenses, download and install free viewers, use online GIS
Basic GIS concepts
Data types and Austin area data sources

10:00 am - 12 noon - In-lab Tutorial: Intro to GIS using ArcMap
(A printed copy of the tutorial will be handed out to teachers. There are also several tip sheets on the Workshop CD and loaded on the computers for additional help)

12:00 - 1:00 pm - Working Lunch (meet in Sutton 2.102)
Discussion: data source questions, possible uses of GIS in science and social science classes

1:00 - 1:45 pm - In-lab activity – Exploring local data with a free GIS viewer
(see ArcExplorer Tipsheet for guidance)

1:45 - 2:00 pm - Discussion: strengths and weaknesses of free GIS viewer software

2:00 - 2:45 pm - In-lab activity – Online GIS for general purposes – the National Map
(see Using the National Map Tipsheet for guidance)

2:45 - 3:00 pm Discussion – strengths and weaknesses of online GIS, other examples

3:00 - 3:15 pm Break

3:15 - 4:00 pm - In-lab activity – Using online GIS for special applications
US Census Bureau American Factfinder (see Online Census Mapping Tipsheet)
Environmental Protection Agency Envirofacts (see Envirofacts Tipsheet)

4:00 - 5:00 pm Discussion (meet in Sutton 2.102)
Questions
Teaching spatial database concepts
GIS in the natural and social science curriculum - activity ideas, problems and opportunities
How can the University continue to support Austin-area K12 GIS use?
How can local government agencies support K12 GIS use?
Workshop evaluations