AbstractScience Goes Spatial: Geotechnology in the 5–12 Classroom Track: Educational Research and Teacher Education Author(s): Lisa Blank, Rachel Loehman, Jeff Crews This paper describes a program for improving integration of geospatial technology and content in science classrooms. For the past four years, the University of Montana Earth Observing System (EOS) Education Project has provided geospatial teacher training to 227 Montana schools, utilizing a statewide Esri software license. In follow-up program evaluation studies, we found that teachers struggled to fully implement geotechnology curricula in their science classrooms, citing a lack of easy access to spatial datasets and on-site support as prohibiting factors. In response, we developed a teacher training model using geotechnology educator leadership teams to generate age-appropriate spatial datasets and provide teacher training and support. We used an interactive Web site, help desk, biannual video conferencing, and a pilot statewide geospatial technology competition to facilitate integration of spatial data and analysis into science classrooms. Similar methods may be implemented elsewhere as growing numbers of states acquire statewide software licenses. Lisa Blank University of Montana School of Education 32 Campus Drive Missoula, MT 59802 US Phone: 406-243-5304 Fax: 406-243-4908 E-mail: lisa.blank@mso.umt.edu Rachel Loehman University of Montana Numerical Terradynamic Simulation Group University of Montana 32 Campus Drive Missoula, MT 59801 US Phone: 406-243-6219 E-mail: rachel@ntsg.umt.edu Jeff Crews University of Montana Division of Educational Research and Services University of Montana Missoula, MT 59801 US Phone: 406-243-2644 E-mail: jcrews@eoscenter.com |