Integrating GIS and Remote Sensing Research Into the Secondary Science Classroom

华莱士9809704成功的基于计算机的教育项目对K-12科学教育产生了影响，因为学生在应用研究实验室开发的(以前仅限于)研究实验室开发的计算机技术的同时，成为广泛科学学科的研究人员。当调查对象熟悉时，学生最有可能对一项新技术产生兴趣。地理信息系统(GIS)是一种在K-12教育中具有巨大潜力的计算机技术。已经开发了包含全球和国家数据的地理信息系统软件，用于K-12教育用途，并以负担得起的价格向学校提供。环境系统研究所(ESRI)K-12学校和图书馆计划为逐步介绍地理信息系统和在其Arc Voyager包中组织地理信息系统覆盖范围提供了一个有效的模式。不容易获得的是本地派生的地理信息系统覆盖范围，它可以提供挂钩来吸引K-12学生的注意。通过专业地理信息系统专家的努力，图森、皮马县和亚利桑那州拥有丰富的地理信息系统覆盖范围。这一奖项将使这些巨大而多样的地理信息系统数据覆盖范围为K-12教师和他们的学生所访问。对于学习者的水平和K-12环境中可用的计算能力水平来说，大多数本地派生的地理信息系统数据集太大和太复杂。最初的任务将是将最相关的现有地理信息系统覆盖范围转换为可在教室中常见的计算机上随时使用的数据集。利用经过调整的当地数据，将为高中课堂开发一套小规模的地理信息系统试点活动。P.I.S将与高中教师合作，对这些模块进行课堂测试和评估。评估将涉及：1)学生的学习行为和学生使用地理信息系统解决问题的不同方式；2)学生对专注于本地和专注于区域的活动的学习和反应；3)将地理信息系统整合到课堂上的体制和教学障碍。这些过程和练习可以作为样板，指导其他人将当地的地理信息系统覆盖到全国的K-12课堂。

WALLACE 9809704 Successful computer based educational programs have impact in K-12 science education because students become investigators of a wide range of scientific disciplines while applying computer technology developed in (and previously limited to) research laboratories. Students are most likely to become engaged by a new technology when the subject of investigation is familiar. A computer technology with tremendous potential in K-12 education is Geographic Information Systems (GIS). GIS software with global and national data packaged for K-12 educational uses has been developed and is available to schools at affordable prices. The Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) K-12 Schools and Libraries Program has provided an effective model for a graduated introduction to GIS and for organization of GIS coverages in their Arc Voyager package. What is not readily available is locally derived GIS coverages which can provide hooks for grabbing the attention of K-12 students. Through the efforts of professional GIS experts, a wealth of GIS coverages are available for Tucson, Pima County, and the State of Arizona. This award will make these immense and varied GIS data coverages accessible to K-12 teachers and their students. Most of the locally derived GIS datasets are too large and complex for the level of the learner and the level of computing power available in the K-12 environment. The initial task will be to transform the most relevant available GIS coverages into datasets readily usable on computers generally found in the classroom. Using the adapted local data, a small set of pilot GIS activities for the high school classroom will be developed. Working with high school teachers the P.I.'s will perform classroom testing and assessment of the modules. Assessment will address: 1) student learning behavior and the different ways students use GIS to solve problems, 2) student learning and response to locally focused versus regionally focused activit ies, 3) institutional and pedagogical obstacles for integrating GIS in the classroom. The processes and exercises can serve as models to guide others in bringing local GIS coverages to K-12 classrooms across the country.