Geographic Information System Teacher Resources

Is GIS the real manifestation of Harry Potter's Marauders Map? Introduce your class to the history of geographic information systems (GIS), the technology that allows for easy use of spatial information, with a resource that teaches...

Requiring more than one class period, this resource takes earth science learners on a journey through a watershed. Using ArcGIS Explorer, an online geographic information system, they view maps of watersheds and surrounding landscapes....

Students should be able to compare and contrast changes in the local area over the last 150 years. They give reasons to these changes and real world applications for the use of GIS. Finally, they know how to hotlink digital photos.

Students analyze hurricanes. In hurricanes lesson, students use the Internet and GIS to analyze hurricanes. Students view the National Atlas of Maps to discuss the direction hurricanes move. Students study the wind and pressure fields to...

Don't be concerned that the title slide of this presentation mentions Virginia's Geospatial Extension Program; this slide show is very informative for any technology-focused curriculum when considering global information systems. It...

Today's teens love technology! Draw them into this lesson plan by finding out what they know about GPS. Use it as a starting point for introducing them to GIS (geographic information systems). Using yarn, your class outlines the United...

Students examine GIS technology as it is used to locate energy sources. In this GIS lesson, student access an assigned website to locate a series of lessons using the GIS software. They use the maps that are located on the primary lesson...

An explanation of the Global Positioning System (GPS) and the Geographic Information System (GIS) is given in this presentation. Uses and applications are considered. How it works and sources of error are also touched upon. A large...

Pair earth scientists up to use an amazing online arctic portal mapping tool and Google Earth to analyze permafrost changes. They compare changes to data on atmospheric concentrations of methane to see if there is a correlation. Then...

Middle schoolers use resources such as the National Geographic magazine feature Africa MegaFlyover to find out more about how GIS is used.

Students explore what are "multi-spectral" or "multi-band" images? They investigate how landscapes change over time- at least over the time-span of satellite imagery, particulary due to human influences. Students explore how to train...

Students explore physical characteristics of a region through use of a low-tech version of a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) map-overlay analysis. They form conclusions about human development regions that emerge from physical regions.

Establishing clear expectations is a good way to help kids know what they should be focusing on in class. Here is a study guide, perfect for handing out at the start of a unit on geography. They'll use each of the 18 topics and...

What an incredible lesson plan for integrating technology with ecology and geography! Discuss what a preserve is, and then use National Geographic's fabulous FieldScope tool to virtually explore the Barataria Preserve in New Orleans. A...

Students explore the basics of interpreting RUSS temperature and oxygen profile data. They are introduced to the Geographic Information Systems (GIS), particularly with respect to interpreting maps.

Students examine the current technologies used in mapping resources in the marine environment. They look at remote sensing, sounding, and underwater vehicles. They examine image from the benthic habitat produced by the GIS in order to...

Students explore the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in a variety of businesses and organizations. They present proposals, representing different businesses and organizations, that support how GIS technology could...

Students examine the concept of geographic information systems (GIS) and its basic components. They explore an application program using GIS technology and list the various uses for GIS.

Individuals create a GIS data layer in Google Earth that displays information about where one might find seven different cryptids. The class members research to find data on cryptid sightings they can include in their data layer. 

Earth science classes can inspect the geography of the Mississippi River watershed by using National Geographic's fascinating FieldScope, an interactive mapping tool. Printable worksheets can be used to guide the exploration. This neat...

Students describes the technique of preparing "GIS-ready" data and shows how to map that data and conduct basic analyses using a geographic information system (GIS).They use latitude and longitude fields to plot the data in a GIS and...

Students are introduced GIS systems and how they operate. Using a GIS system, they locate and map the various types of agricultural products grown in Oregon. They rank each county based on the amount of agricultural products produced and...

Students manipulate existing GIS data to create and map a new layer of information that shows that watersheds in Travis County that are on top of Edwards Aquifer. They create and map that shows the watersheds in Travis County that are on...

Students practice cartography using GIS technology. They create a map of Austin using GIS and aerial photos.