Abstract

Using GIS to Enhance the History Classroom
Track: Teaching with GIS in Schools
Authors: Chris Bunin

Based on historical data and lesson plans created from two Teaching American History projects, this presentation will showcase how GIS is changing the way teachers and students students learn about and explore current and past events. Using a variety of GIS tools (symbology, selection by attribute, selection by location, buffer, etc.) we will demonstrate how, in as little as five minutes, you and your students will be interactively questioning, analyzing, and visualizing the myths and realities history.

Ranging from a 5-minute bell-ringer on Jim Crow legislation to a fully developed GIS investigation on the 1860 United States Census returns, these activities will quickly show the value that GIS provides to History and Social Studies education. Replication tips, tricks, and challenges will also be discussed.