Our Network has over 15 years of experience with geospatial technology in K 12 education. This technology in recent years has greatly expanded as a valuable career skill in an increasing number of industries. As the 21st century began the United States Department of Labor identified geospatial technology as one of the three most important technologies for the 21st century economy.
In 2016 the use of geospatial technology was added to the California History Social Studies Framework as an instructional tool. Here is a link to what is in the Framework - California Social Studies Framework Information. Here is a link to a short video which explains why this technology works well as an instructional tool in the Social Studies - Using Dynamic Maps in the Social Studies.
Geospatial technology is also an excellent instructional tool for Science. Using free web mapping interfaces with students is an excellent way to cover multiple cross cutting themes from Next Generation Science Standards. In recent years a substantial number of GIS data files used in scientific research are available in these web mapping interfaces. Students are able to visualize the same geographic data as scientist to analyze and make conclusions. In fact the use of geospatial technology has become the primary tool of research by Earth Scientists to analyze and model field data to develop theories. Here is a link to a short video which shows how Earth Scientists use geospatial technology in research - The Geospatial Revolution/Episode 4, Chapter 1.
In July of 2019 ESRI initiated a new and simplified web mapping inter-face called Express Maps which fits well into the English Common Core passages related to using emerging technology as a communications tool. Here is a link to a short video describing this new service - An Overview of Express Maps.
Information and Resources In Using Geospatial Technology in the California Classroom
Story Map Structured Exercises Subscription Service
This service is provided to school districts as a way to utilize interactive story maps as an instructional tool to supplement curriculum. Each Story Map has a student instruction and answer sheet or is designed to accompany existing curriculum material to provide greater depth. Teachers are able to select from a wide variety of Story Maps accessible through a custom web based gallery/index page. These lessons are very easy to use. Once the students learn the interface (Most master within 60 seconds) these lessons can even be used with a substitute teacher who has no technical knowledge.
These lessons cover content appropriate for grades five and above and most subject content areas. A large percentage of these Story Maps provide links which encourage reluctant readers to greater exploration and depth. The greatest number of lessons are in the areas of science and social studies. The greatest number of Story Maps without lessons which are designed to accompany existing curriculum are in English/Language Arts. These lessons allow students to develop greater analysis and critical thinking skills. Link to Story Map Lesson Index. Sample Lessons
Web Mapping Mini Course
This mini course is designed to teach the basic functions of using ArcGIS Online to create web maps and a basic web application story map in an online or hybrid format. The course is presented ten lessons of which seven are video lessons most being 5 - 10 minutes in length, with an exercise most students can complete within an hour. Edmodo is used as the online platform. This course is most appropriate for students grade 7 and above. Students will create a free ArcGIS Online Public Account. Link to course outline.
The skills learned will enable students a new way to conduct research, make presentations, and visualize and analyze spatial data. Web Mapping is the entry point to the geospatial technologies which the United States Department of Labor has identified as the second most important emerging technology for the 21st century. Check out this link to Story Map Samples. Check out this link to videos of schools which use ArcGIS Online for instruction.
In 2016 the use of geospatial technology was added to the California History Social Studies Framework as an instructional tool. Here is a link to what is in the Framework - California Social Studies Framework Information. Here is a link to a short video which explains why this technology works well as an instructional tool in the Social Studies - Using Dynamic Maps in the Social Studies.
Geospatial technology is also an excellent instructional tool for Science. Using free web mapping interfaces with students is an excellent way to cover multiple cross cutting themes from Next Generation Science Standards. In recent years a substantial number of GIS data files used in scientific research are available in these web mapping interfaces. Students are able to visualize the same geographic data as scientist to analyze and make conclusions. In fact the use of geospatial technology has become the primary tool of research by Earth Scientists to analyze and model field data to develop theories. Here is a link to a short video which shows how Earth Scientists use geospatial technology in research - The Geospatial Revolution/Episode 4, Chapter 1.
In July of 2019 ESRI initiated a new and simplified web mapping inter-face called Express Maps which fits well into the English Common Core passages related to using emerging technology as a communications tool. Here is a link to a short video describing this new service - An Overview of Express Maps.
Information and Resources In Using Geospatial Technology in the California Classroom
Story Map Structured Exercises Subscription Service
This service is provided to school districts as a way to utilize interactive story maps as an instructional tool to supplement curriculum. Each Story Map has a student instruction and answer sheet or is designed to accompany existing curriculum material to provide greater depth. Teachers are able to select from a wide variety of Story Maps accessible through a custom web based gallery/index page. These lessons are very easy to use. Once the students learn the interface (Most master within 60 seconds) these lessons can even be used with a substitute teacher who has no technical knowledge.
These lessons cover content appropriate for grades five and above and most subject content areas. A large percentage of these Story Maps provide links which encourage reluctant readers to greater exploration and depth. The greatest number of lessons are in the areas of science and social studies. The greatest number of Story Maps without lessons which are designed to accompany existing curriculum are in English/Language Arts. These lessons allow students to develop greater analysis and critical thinking skills. Link to Story Map Lesson Index. Sample Lessons
Web Mapping Mini Course
This mini course is designed to teach the basic functions of using ArcGIS Online to create web maps and a basic web application story map in an online or hybrid format. The course is presented ten lessons of which seven are video lessons most being 5 - 10 minutes in length, with an exercise most students can complete within an hour. Edmodo is used as the online platform. This course is most appropriate for students grade 7 and above. Students will create a free ArcGIS Online Public Account. Link to course outline.
The skills learned will enable students a new way to conduct research, make presentations, and visualize and analyze spatial data. Web Mapping is the entry point to the geospatial technologies which the United States Department of Labor has identified as the second most important emerging technology for the 21st century. Check out this link to Story Map Samples. Check out this link to videos of schools which use ArcGIS Online for instruction.