ArcSchool Reader: K–12 Education
Welcome to ArcSchool Reader, a periodic e-newsletter from the ESRI Education team. Each issue provides a quick glimpse of software news; user stories; reminders; and hints about tools, data, and support covering the use of GIS in primary and secondary schools (K-12 education).
In this Issue
Software News
ArcGIS 9.1 Spatial Analyst
Interested in designing surface models such as population density? Want to create new data such as slopes, contours, or hillshades from digital elevation model data? These are among the many functions that are part of ArcGIS Spatial Analyst. This ArcGIS extension provides a broad range of spatial modeling and analysis tools that allow you to create, visualize, and query cell-based raster data or combine vector and raster data for display and analysis. Terrain analysis, hot spot mapping, visibility analysis, and hydrologic modeling are some of this extension's applications. To learn more about the use of ArcGIS Spatial Analyst and see online demonstrations, visit the ArcGIS Spatial Analyst resource page.
ArcExplorer-Java Edition for Education
Students, even at a young level, can get started with a lightweight but powerful GIS. ArcExplorer-Java Edition for Education is a Java-based tool that can run on Windows or Macintosh OSX. ArcExplorer-Java Edition for Education can display data from local sources or from ArcIMS software-based servers on the Internet. It can project decimal degree shapefiles on the fly, display custom classifications and histograms, and convert XY tables (such as GPS points) into point shapefiles. Free downloads are available. Visit ArcLessons for classroom lessons and stay tuned for an ArcExplorer-Java Edition for Education update this winter.
Data News
Starting the Hunt for U.S. Data
GIS-ready data is growing every day. Typing a phrase such as "GIS data Texas" in an Internet search engine will yield hundreds of links. Many of these sites have been created by federal, state, regional, or local government organizations. A good rule of thumb is to seek detailed local data from local or regional government sources, state data from state agencies, and multistate data from federal agencies. The GIS staff of the University of Arkansas Libraries provide a fast path to a regularly updated clearinghouse of U.S.-focused geospatial data. Starting the Hunt provides a guide to mostly online and mostly free U.S. geospatial and attribute data. (When visiting any data sites, the providers and sponsors love hearing that you appreciate what they offer.)
World Data from the UN Environmental Programme
An excellent place for worldwide GIS data is the United Nations GEO Data Portal. The GEO Data Portal is the authoritative source for datasets used by the United Nations Environmental Programme and its partners in the Global Environment Outlook (GEO) report and other integrated environment assessments. Its online database holds more than 450 different variables as national, subregional, regional, and global statistics or as geospatial datasets (maps) covering themes such as water, population, forests, emissions, and climate. Data can be displayed in a number of forms, including maps, and can be downloaded in formats including shapefile.
Support News
Designing Better Maps
Everybody wants their work to look good and be useful. Some people make great maps, but how do they do it? ESRI Press has released a book entitled Designing Better Maps, by Cynthia Brewer, for mapmakers of all skill levels. The book describes, in understandable language, the principles to consider and decisions to make when designing maps to communicate a message. No specific software is mentioned because these are principles that apply to everyone. This book belongs in all classrooms using GIS.
GIS Solutions for Education CD
Looking for a set of materials that you can show or give to others? This dual-platform (Windows and Macintosh) CD contains introductory text, screen shots, movies, documents, and Web links to more information. There is information about using GIS in administrative areas as well as in the classroom. It also includes installers (Windows and Macintosh) for ArcExplorer-Java Edition for Education and the starting instruction set. (And if you are conducting workshops introducing GIS to a number of educators, you can send an e-mail to k12-lib@esri.com to request multiple copies of the CD.)
User News
ESRI Education User Conference
Educators and administrators from all levels will be gathering in San Diego, California, August 5-8, 2006, to share their experiences with GIS in education settings. Users will hold presentations showing the use of GIS in K-12 schools, colleges, or libraries and museums. The Education User Conference has brought together more than 500 educators from around the world, and it overlaps with the ESRI International User Conference, attended by more than 12,000 GIS users. Share your experiences with others. While the deadline for proposing presentations is past, conference registration is still open. For more information, visit www.esri.com/educ.
ESRI 4-H Grant Program
For two years, ESRI has worked with 4-H, helping expand programs directed at the nearly 7 million youth members. This joint endeavor was established to support national 4-H efforts aimed at bringing GIS and other geospatial technologies to young people and qualified adults involved with U.S. 4-H clubs and related state and national coordinating organizations. It was created in cooperation with the National 4-H Headquarters; Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Learn about the 2006 ESRI Beginning and Intermediate Grant Program for U.S. 4-H. The deadline is March 31, 2006.
Calendar: Key Events
Local GIS User Group Meetings
GIS Day (everywhere, any day)
Texas Computer Education Association
Austin, Texas
February 6–10, 2006
National Center for Education Statistics Management Information Systems
Orlando, FL
February 22–24, 2006
Environmental and Spatial Technologies
Hot Springs, AR
February 28–March 2, 2006
Microcomputers in Education
Tempe, AZ
March 11–13, 2006
Deadline for ESRI 4-H Grant Program
March 31, 2006
National Science Teachers Association
Anaheim, CA
April 6–9, 2006
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