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 9.2
Say hello to ArcGIS 9.2! The entire line of products has been revised, opening up powerful new relationships between desktop and server products. For users of ArcGIS Desktop products (ArcView, ArcEditor, and ArcInfo), there are a number of significant ease-of-use enhancements, covering all aspects of usage, that will be of tremendous interest; one of the most popular among educators will surely be the ability to connect directly to Excel files. In the server environment, ArcIMS is even easier to use than before, and ArcGIS Server opens up new options for authoring 2D and 3D visualizations or tasks that integrate with ArcGIS Desktop. Users with current maintenance will receive the update automatically; others can call 1-800-447-9778 to inquire about updates. See what’s new!
ArcPad 7.0.1 and a Free Virtual Campus Course
October saw the release of the latest update for ArcPad software for mobile GIS, usable in Pocket PC and other lightweight Windows-based computers. With a GPS connected by hardware or wirelessly, ArcPad provides tremendous field data collection and mapping power. The range of capabilities can be explored online through the free course Working with ArcPad 7 from the ESRI Virtual Campus. Read about ArcPad, and download a fully functional version of ArcPad 7.0.1 for evaluation.
Data News
ESRI Data for ArcGIS 9.2
The release of ArcGIS 9.2 offers a new set of basemap products, available in both 2D map and 3D globe format. These involve numerous scale-dependent layers to optimize the user experience in ArcGIS Desktop tools. Explore continuous mosaicked satellite imagery for the world at multiple resolutions, down to 15 meters worldwide and 1 meter within the United States, and shaded relief down to 90 meters resolution for the world and 30 meters within the United States. ESRI Data & Maps 2006 will contain five DVDs and ship with ArcGIS software packages.
National Map
Want to explore the locations of countless features across the United States on a live map over the Internet? The National Map is hosted by the U.S. Geological Survey and is the product of multiple federal, state, and local partners. From the front door, click Go to Viewer to launch a powerful collection of data including both vector data and imagery. The layers at right yield a tremendous array of choices. There are options for customizing the user experience and even the capacity to download data for local use.
Support News
Africa Activities for Geography Awareness Week and My Wonderful World
In May 2006, National Geographic and a coalition of sponsors launched the My Wonderful World campaign to expand geographic learning in school, at home, and in the community. In support of this campaign, the theme for Geography Awareness Week 2006 was Africa. ESRI contributed resources including a series of activities built upon the National Geographic MapMachine and the Geography Network. The activities, accessible with just a Web browser, allow users to test their analytical skills while exploring many facets of the African continent. See www.esri.com/gaw and get ready to explore!
4-H Exploring Spaces, Going Places Curriculum
A new geospatial education curriculum is now available! Exploring Spaces, Going Places incorporates activities for GIS and GPS at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels for youth and adults, providing learners with a sequential hands-on learning format. Each level culminates in a project allowing users to combine the skills they have developed. A supporting Web site is also available. This CD-based curriculum is available for purchase (US$15) through the National 4-H Cooperative Curriculum System.
User News
Lewiston, Idaho, 5th Street Cemetery
The 2002 ESRI User Conference had many highlights, but one that many people still recall is two seventh-grade students and their teacher presenting their Community Atlas project, which birthed a detailed study of the town cemetery. Since then, teacher Steve Branting and his intrepid students have continued their examination and GIS analysis. They've written articles, been the subject of other articles, and received several awards for their work. They provide a stunning example of how good teaching and the permission to explore and think analytically yield powerful education for the students and benefit the community as a whole.
2007 ESRI Education User Conference
It's already time to make your plans! The 2007 Education User Conference will be June 16–19, in San Diego, California. Make your room reservations early! See full details at www.esri.com/educ.
Calendar: Key Events
Local GIS User Group Meetings
Association for Career and Technical Education
Atlanta, GA
November 30–December 2, 2006
National Council for the Social Studies
Washington, D.C.
December 1–2, 2006
Texas Computer Education Association
Austin, TX
February 5–9, 2007
EAST Conference
Hot Springs, AR
February 27–March 1, 2007
GeoTech
Dallas, TX
March 2–4, 2007
National Science Teachers Association
St. Louis, MO
March 29–April 1, 2007
ESRI Education User Conference
San Diego, CA
June 16–19, 2007
ESRI International User Conference
San Diego, CA
June 18–22, 2007
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