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 ArcGlobe
Perhaps the most exciting development for ArcGIS 9 has been the inclusion of ArcGlobe as part of the 3D Analyst extension. With ArcGlobe, users can navigate seamlessly through images and terrain data of varied resolution, zoom from global to local scale in a heartbeat, and see the results of modeling and analyses in new ways. Students can easily export visualizations into videos for sharing. To learn more about the use of ArcGlobe and see online demos, visit the 3D Analyst resource page.
ArcExplorer Java Edition for Education
Students, even at a very 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 OS X. 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 x,y tables into point shapefiles. Free downloads are available. Visit ArcLessons for classroom lessons. Great for GIS Day activities!
Data News
Geography Netowrk
The Geography Network is a framework through which great volumes of geographic data are made available to the public. It is an excellent source of data for display with an easy online mapping interface, and most of the data can also be brought into ArcExplorer Java Edition for Education. There is a detailed lesson package that will introduce the powerful capabilities of the Geography Network.
National Atlas: Data Warehouse
Hosted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the National Atlas is a prime site for online mapping of the United States and North America. (Give Map Maker a try.) The site is also a gateway to gigabytes of downloadable, ready-to-use GIS data of both human and physical geography. The fastest way to the data files is the Raw Data Download page (linked from the Products page). This page introduces you to individual map layers (e.g., tornadoes 1950–2004) and chapters (broad topics such as climate, people, and water). Clicking on a chapter name such as Boundaries opens the door to all the map layers within. Selecting a layer, such as Federal Lands, leads you to a description with links to more background. You can also see a snapshot image of the data in a map plus pathways to related map products. Back on the data download page, on the right side, simply select the layer you wish to download. The most immediately usable formats will be shapefile, DBF, and GEOTIFF files. All download files are compressed, so you will need to engage an unzipping utility before you can use the data.
Support News
GIS Tutorial
The hot new book for instructors who are learning ArcView 9 is GIS Tutorial Workbook for ArcView 9 by Wilpen Gorr and Kristen Kurland. The book is designed for a broad audience. Teachers at many levels have found this self-study book extremely readable and well scripted. The exercises move the user through the basic skills of ArcView, then provide good practice opportunities in which to apply the skills. The book includes a fully functioning 180-day trial version of ArcView 9, plus the data for the tutorials. Read more about the book.
Educational Resources from USGS
More and more GIS resources are available to assist educators. Among the best sites is the USGS Rocky Mountain Mapping Center’s Educational Resources. There are numerous guides, lessons, case studies, and other resources focused on geospatial technologies in education and about geographic education in general. There are GIS activities such as those designed for use with both digital resources (e.g., Global GIS series) and hard-copy items (e.g., maps found in the USGS Education Map Catalog). The site evolves constantly, so return periodically to stay current. If you have questions about the site or need help with any of its resources, contact Dr. Joseph Kerski at jjkerski@usgs.gov.
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 using GIS technology in education settings. Users are invited to propose presentations showing the use of GIS in K–12 schools, colleges, or libraries and museums. The Education User Conference (EdUC) has brought together more than 500 educators from around the world, and it overlaps with the more than 12,000 GIS users attending the ESRI International User Conference. Share your story with others! The deadline for proposing presentations is December 2, 2005. See full information at the EdUC site at www.esri.com/educ.
GIS and Careers
GIS and other geospatial technologies are more prominent in the world of work each day. Preparation and recovery activities related to hurricanes and earthquakes show the power of maps for intelligent decision making. These technologies and careers have become a focal point inside the U.S. Department of Labor and key organizations interested in workforce preparation. ESRI has worked with Career Corner TV to create a series of video interviews that show the power of GIS and geographic analysis in today's world, whether managing the day-to-day operations of a city, preserving wilderness for our children, or responding to a local emergency.
Calendar: Key Events
Local GIS User Group Meetings
GIS Day (everywhere, any day)
Presentation proposals deadline for the 2006 ESRI Education User Conference
December 2, 2005
Association for Career and Technical Education
Kansas City, Missouri, December 8–11, 2005
First Australasia Conference for ESRI Education Users
Tasmania, Australia, January 8–10, 2006
Texas Computer Education Association
Austin, Texas, February 6–10, 2006
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