Abstract

A Model for Infusing GIS in the K-12 Curriculum
Track: Teaching with GIS in Schools
Author(s): William Harris, Richard Krustchinsky

Many educators and professional societies have called for the
infusion of GIS education K-12 as a solution to various
concerns/problems. Few of these organizations, though, have
proposed a methodology for getting the technology and
expertise into an already established system such as an entire
school district. What we propose is a methodology that uses
already established curriculum requirements (Standards/Skills),
as well as No Child Left Behind, as the driving force for this
infusion.

There are many obstacles in bringing the use of GIS into an
established curriculum within a district. These include teacher
preparedness to use the software, the cost of deploying the
software, and the lack of curricular materials tied specifically to
that district's curriculum requirements. A model that includes
these considerations should have a high success rate without
overburdening teachers, instructional technologists, or district
administrators.

William Harris
University of St. Thomas
Environmental Studies
3800 Montrose Blvd.
Houston , Texas 77006
United States
Phone: 713-525-3805
Fax: 713-525-3845
E-mail: wharris@stthom.edu

Richard Krustchinsky
University of St. Thomas
School of Education
3800 Montrose Blvd.
Houston , Texas 77006
United States
Phone: 713-525-3545
Fax: 713-525-2125
E-mail: krustchi@stthom.edu