GIS Day!!!!

Geographic Information Systems Day! 11.19.14

On Wednesday of this week, Mike Arkinson and Eliza Baldwin came to Bradley Creek to introduce and celebrate GIS Day with our 4th and 5th grade AIG students.  Let me tell you . . . It was amazing! 

Our presenters shared a series of short videos about maps, including their history, uses, and global applications. Students learned that maps not only provide information about our geographic location, but also about our climate, economy, and humanitarian needs and efforts - just to name a few.  Below are links to the videos shared.  Each one is under 4 minutes and totally worth watching!

What is GIS?

Dr. Richard Alley - Using GIS to teach the world about Global Warming & Climate Change

Geospatial Revolution - Food Deserts

Then students were given guidance to explore maps using an interactive tool designed by National Geographic.  You can check it out here!

Using GIS, students were asked to make a map.  They could select from the a series of choices, such as, map the human "footprint" in North Carolina, or design their own challenge.

As you can see from the photos, no one was interested in the assignment :-)

It was an eye opening experience for the students (and their teacher)!  The visual power of GIS is astounding, on a personal, local, and global level!  Be sure to ask your child more about this great presentation and effective ways to use the software provided.

Thank you so much to Ms. Baldwin and Mr. Arkinson for sharing their expertise with our class!!  Can we put you on the schedule for next year, please? :-)