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 Network Analyst
One of the exciting developments for ArcGIS 9.1 is the release of the Network Analyst extension. With it, users can conduct drive-time analysis, do point-to-point routing, create route directions, optimize route selection, and more. To learn more about the use of Network Analyst in school administration, see the K–12 Administration pages and explore school administration solutions from ESRI's business partners.
ArcExplorer—Java Edition for Education
You can get students and instructors started with a lightweight but powerful GIS. ArcExplorer-Java Edition for Education (JEE) is a Java-based tool can run on Windows 98 SE or higher or Macintosh OS 10.2 or higher. ArcExplorer JEE can display data from local sources or from ArcIMS software-based servers on the Internet. It can project decimal degree shapefiles on the fly, conduct custom classifications, and convert x,y tables to point shapefiles. Free downloads are available. Visit ArcLessons for classroom lessons.
Data News
ArcWeb Services
ArcWeb Services offer access to both GIS content and GIS capabilities over the Internet. Terabytes of rich, up-to-date data are at your fingertips, accessible to users of ArcGIS Desktop tools or Web-based applications. You can explore ArcWeb sample applications online just with a browser, or evaluate ArcWeb Services inside ArcGIS with a free 30-day evaluation. Also see how ArcWeb Services can help visualize the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Global GIS
A world of GIS-ready data awaits you in the Global GIS data series from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the American Geological Institute. The Global GIS database contains 1:1 million scale data for the world and includes layers such as earth processes, elevation, resources, and a range of human geographic themes. The series is available on CDs covering individual continents or on a single DVD for the planet. The DVD includes ArcGIS and ArcReader project files. Each CD includes ArcView 3.x projects. A range of prices is available for various educational settings. Global GIS lessons also are available from the USGS Rocky Mountain Mapping Center.
Support News
National Academies Report
One of the most anxiously awaited reports is almost ready for public access. After years of study and writing, the National Research Council is preparing to release Learning to Think Spatially: GIS as a Support System in the K-12 Curriculum. The report details why spatial thinking should be broadly incorporated into the American K-12 education system. It then shows how and why GIS can be a powerful support system for fostering spatial literacy. Educators at all levels, and those interested in the instruction of America's children, should see this report.
Fun with GPS
This delightful guide illustrates the scores of activities possible with GPS units. Take your GPS for a ride or attach it to almost anything that moves—balloons, roller coasters, bicycles, even a pet! The book also discusses ways to incorporate GPS technology in the classroom to reinforce science, math, and geography curricula; provide groundwork for project-based learning; and show students that their schoolwork is important and relevant. (And, of course, you'll want to map your data with ArcGIS, ArcView 3.x, or ArcExplorer Java Edition for Education.)
User News
GIS Day
GIS Day is a grassroots event in which GIS users showcase the use of GIS in real-world applications. Users of all ages can instruct nonusers of all backgrounds on the capacities of GIS and the many ways in which geography matters. GIS Day is part of the National Geography Society's Geography Action initiative; this year's theme is human migration. Numerous GIS Day materials are available for free download including lessons for elementary, middle, and high school. Create a GIS Day event at your school.
GIS and Careers
GIS and other geospatial technologies are more prominent in the world of work each day. Preparation and recovery activities related to Hurricane Katrina show the power of maps for intelligent decision making. (See Hurricane Help and Maps for more details.) These technologies and careers have become a focal point inside the U.S. Department of Labor and key organizations interested in workforce preparation. Learn more about GIS in careers and watch videos from ESRI and Career Corner TV.
Calendar: Key Events
Local GIS User Group Meetings
National Council for Geographic Education 2005 Annual Meeting
October 12-15, 2005, Birmingham, Alabama
Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching Houston, Texas, October 27–29, 2005
National Association of Extension 4-H Agents
Seattle, Washington, October 30–November 3, 2005
Third European Conference for ESRI Education Users
Warsaw, Poland, October 26–28, 2005
National Council for Social Studies
Annual Conference, Kansas City, Missouri, November 17–19, 2005
Association for Career and Technical Education
Location TBA, December 8–11, 2005
First Australasia Conference for ESRI Education Users
Tasmania, Australia, January 8–12, 2006
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