Lesson Planet
Search educational resources
  • Sign In Try It Free
  • AI Teacher Tools
    • Discover Resources Search reviewed educational resources by keyword, subject, grade, type, and more
    • Curriculum Manager (My Content) Manage saved and uploaded resources and folders To Access the Curriculum Manager Sign In or Join Now
    • Browse Resource Directory Browse educational resources by subject and topic
    • Curriculum Calendar Explore curriculum resources by date
    • Lesson Planning Articles Timely and inspiring teaching ideas that you can apply in your classroom
    • Our Story
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Testimonials
    • Contact Us
  • Pricing
  • School Access
    • Your school or district can sign up for Lesson Planet — with no cost to teachers
      Learn More
  • Sign In
  • Try It Free

Hi, what do you want to do?

Create a lesson plan
Create a lesson plan
Generate resources with 80+ AI teacher tools
Generate resources with 80+ AI teacher tools
Search 200,000 instructional videos
Search 200,000 instructional videos
Find a teaching resource
Find a teaching resource
What is GIS? Lesson PlanWhat is GIS? Lesson Plan
Publisher
Teach Engineering
Resource Details
Curator Rating
Educator Rating
Not yet Rated
Grade
7th - 9th
Subjects
Math
3 more...
Resource Types
Assessments
3 more...
Audience
For Teacher Use
Duration
1 hr
Instructional Strategies
Direct Instruction
1 more...
Technology
Projection
Internet Access
Year
2013
Usage Permissions
Fine Print: Educational Use
Lesson Plan

What is GIS?

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This What is GIS? lesson plan also includes:
  • Marauders Map GIS Quiz (PDF)
  • Marauders Map GIS Quiz (Doc)
  • 1916 Lower Manhattan Map (PDF)
  • 1916 Lower Manhattan Map (Doc)
  • Maps from GIS in Africa Publication (PDF)
  • Maps from GIS in Africa Publication (Doc)
  • Vocabulary
  • Graphic & Image
  • Join to access all included materials

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 pupils how to use maps and reinforces their value, a great skill in today's digital age.

80 Views 34 Downloads

Concepts

cartography, cartographers, grid maps, topographical maps, african geography, africa, gps, geographic information systems, geographic locations, google apps, technology resources

Instructional Ideas

  • Brainstorm with the class specific technology maps that allow you to see where others are located
  • Research to find local GIS datasets to share

Classroom Considerations

  • If you are going to use a magic map, you need to set it up prior to class
  • Using the video What is GIS and How Can It Help Me? will add an hour to the lesson
  • The first in a series of nine resources that focus on geographic information systems (GIS)

Pros

  • The Introduction/Motivation section gives the teacher suggestions of actions to incorporate to engage the class
  • The lesson summary has the key points that are on the quiz

Cons

  • Google Latitude is no longer available

See similar resources:

Lesson Plan

Graphing Systems

West Contra Costa Unified School District
Get hands on with solving systems of equations graphically. A solid lesson plan uses guided practice to show how to solve systems of linear equations. It allows time for sharing ideas and provides a printable matching activity...
7th - 9th Math
CCSS: Designed
PPT

Applications of GIS

Curated OER
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...
9th - 12th Science
PPT

Practical GPS Applications in Forestry & Agriculture

Curated OER
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...
9th - 12th Science
PPT

Solving Systems of Linear Inequalities

BW Walch
One thing that puzzles a lot of young algebrists is the factors in a word problem that are taken as "understood". This presentation on solving systems of linear inequalities does a great job walking the learner through how to tease those...
9th - 10th Math
CCSS: Adaptable
Lesson Plan

Analyzing Hurricanes Using Web and Desktop GIS

Curated OER
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...
9th - 12th 21 Century Skills
Lesson Plan

Teach Engineering: What Is Gis?

TeachEngineering
Geographic information systems (GIS) are important technology that allows rapid study and use of spatial information. GIS have become increasingly prevalent in industry and the consumer/internet world in the last 20 years. Historically,...
7th - 9th STEM
Lesson Plan

TE Lesson: Habitat Mapping

Curated OER
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...
6th - 8th Science
Lesson Plan

All Systems Go!

Curated OER
Secret codes are so much fun, and a great way to practice nearly any math skill. Let your class become code breakers as they investigate inverse matrices. They use TI-Nspire technology to solve systems of equations which help them crack...
9th - 12th Math
CCSS: Designed
Lesson Plan

Projections and Coordinates: Turning a 3D Earth into Flatlands

Teach Engineering
Introduce your class to map projections and coordinates, the basics for the work done in a GIS, with an activity that uses Google Earth to challenge learners to think about the earth's shape. 
7th - 9th Math
Lesson Plan

Application of Linear Systems

Curated OER
Let the learners take the driving wheel! The class solves systems of linear equations and applies the concepts of systems to solve a real-world situation about parking cars and buses. They then use calculators to create a visual of their...
9th - 12th Math
CCSS: Designed
Try It Free
© 1999-2026 Learning Explorer, Inc.
Teacher Lesson Plans, Worksheets and Resources

Sign up for the Lesson Planet Monthly Newsletter

Open Educational Resources (OER)

  • Health
  • Language Arts
  • Languages
  • Math
  • Physical Education
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Special Education
  • Visual and Performing Arts
View All Lesson Plans

Discover Resources

  • Our Review Process
  • How it Works
  • How to Search
  • Create a Collection

Manage Curriculum

  • Edit a Collection
  • Assign to Students
  • Manage My Content
Contact Us Site Map Privacy Policy Terms of Use