Abstract



Elementary Students Learn Spatial Thinking in After School Program
Track: Teaching with GIS in Schools
Author(s): Van Shelhamer, Dean Thompsom, Terrie Noser

This after school program was designed for third and fourth grade students at Asa Wood Elementary School, Libby Montana. Students meet once a week for one hour over an eight week period to learn how to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Montana Content Standards in Science, Social Studies, Technology, Math, and Writing were used in developing the curriculum. Students used GPS and digital cameras to photograph and mark the location of community safety concerns. Waypoints, pictures and short paragraphs describing the safety issue were hyperlinked in ArcGIS. A field trip to a Big Horn Sheep Range provided an opportunity to calculate distances, store GPS tract records, collect photographs of features, and do geocaching. Using ArcGIS student made a presentation to the School Board and the local Rotary Club, resulting in strong community support for the program.

Van Shelhamer
GeoEssentials, Inc
416 Morrow Street
Bozeman , Montana 59715
United States
Phone: 406 579 3367
E-mail: Vhamer@aol.com

Dean Thompsom
Libby Public Schools
700 Idaho Ave
Libby , Montana 59923
United States
Phone: 406.293.8881
E-mail: dtsball@hotmail.com

Terrie Noser
Libby Public Schools
700 Idaho Ave
Libby , Montana 59923
United States
Phone: 406.293.3300
E-mail: mtnoser@libby.org