Extending Scientific Inquiry through Geographic Information Systems

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Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are powerful technology tools that help create an inquiry-rich environment. With GIS, students discover underlying patterns from locally collected data that can be connected to data from the larger community. But GIS requires teachers to understand new content, new pedagogy and new technology. This project provides materials for professional development of middle and high school teachers in effective use of GIS as an instructional strategy. The GIS teacher enhancement materials are tied to two previously developed project-based curriculum units -- in atmospheric monitoring and biodiversity. The materials are modified based upon pilot testing with teachers and professional developers. The four learning units develop spatial reasoning in the use of maps, teach the use of GIS technologies using ARCView, enable the gathering and use of student data sets, and connect to existing model curricula. The materials, developed with master teachers, are for workshops that deepen teachers' content knowledge, model pedagogy consistent with best practice, evaluate the effectiveness of learning opportunities, develop coaching with questioning strategies and provide information about student preconceptions.