Abstract

Constructing knowledge using GIS in diverse science classrooms
Track: Teaching with GIS in Schools
Author(s): Aida Awad, Amy Bohac, Shelby Childress

GIS skills are highly marketable and applicable in a wide variety of disciplines. For the past three years, we have been working to integrate rigorous content based lessons utilizing GIS into the science curricula of 11th and 12th grade courses in a diverse suburban high school. The three courses: Geology, Earth Systems Science and AP Environmental Science represent courses offered to a wide range of ability levels. The lessons give students an opportunity to learn GIS skills within a content rich format where students construct their own knowledge through a series of inquiry based activities focusing on real life applications using real data. Student performance was measured with pre / post testing as well as surveys of attitude and experience with the lessons. This presentation will include: examples of lessons; assessment data and a discussion of challenges encountered with technological skill and mastery of content.

Aida Awad
Maine East High School
2601 Dempster
Park Ridge , Illinois 60068
United States
Phone: 847-825-4484
E-mail: aawad@maine207.org

Amy Bohac
Maine East High School
2601 Dempster
Park Ridge , Illinois 60068
United States
Phone: 847-825-4484
E-mail: abohac@maine207.org

Shelby Childress
Maine East High School
2601 Dempster
Park Ridge , Illinois 60068
United States
Phone: 847-825-4484
E-mail: schildress@maine207.org