Teach with GIS | GIS Lessons for Science & Social Studies Classes

Enhance teaching and learning

Maps are powerful tools that expand students’ understanding of the world, its physical systems, and human populations. Interactive, digital maps increase engagement and support deep exploration of material. With maps, students can gain greater understanding and build critical thinking skills.

What do you want to do?

Explore your world
Teach academic content
Teach GIS skills
Empower project-based learning

Explore your world

Investigate the world using 2D and 3D maps. Use curated and standards-based map content that supports your existing curriculum. Use National Geographic MapMaker to create your own maps and share them with your students.

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A map of Southern California with the majority of the region shaded in reds, oranges, and yellows

Teach academic content

Enhance student learning with easy-to-use activities that cover a wide range of subjects. With these activities, you can use maps to teach content standards in an engaging way.

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Children sitting at desks and working on individual tables in a light-filled room

Teach GIS skills

Set your students on meaningful and rewarding career paths. GIS technology opens up a world of opportunity for your students.

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A map displaying a complex, interconnected network of routes

Empower project-based learning

Let your students dive into topics with solo and collaborative projects. Use GIS to explore questions, generate data, and build maps to solve problems.

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A cluster map of the eastern United States displaying concentrations of data with circles of different sizes and colors

GIS and schools | Education for a brighter future

What is the right teaching strategy for tech-savvy teens concerned about their community?

Social studies class engages with GIS

High school teacher Nick Pant uses maps and data to bring history—and sometimes zombies—to life in his classroom.

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Geologist-turned-educator expands GIS access

At the West Virginia Department of Education, Dr. Erika Klose helps teachers and students access ArcGIS software across the district.

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Learning GIS helped Roxana see a better world

I still approach problems using the geospatial critical-thinking techniques I learned in high school.

Roxana Ayala

Math, Science, and Technology Magnet Academy at Roosevelt High School

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Minnesota road map drives GIS literacy in K–12

Teacher engagement, professional involvement, and state support made GIS a success in Minnesota schools.

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Teacher testimonials

Learn teachers' strategies for successfully engaging students through GIS in many different classrooms.

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Resources for teaching GIS skills

Resources for GIS projects

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