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
ArcPad 7
Many teachers have discovered the power of fieldwork for galvanizing student interest. ArcPad allows users of Windows-based handheld computers to do impressive data exploration and creation in the field. The release of ArcPad 7 gives users quicker access to spatial data, richer support of ArcGIS, integration with range finders and digital cameras, improved interaction with GPS, and more. Learn more.
Data News
Mapdex
Looking for one handy place where you can find a vast volume of online mapping engines? Check out Mapdex, a global index of more than 1,500 servers with nearly one-half million GIS layers, organized by the Kansas Geological Survey. Mapdex is a database portal for searching by location, GIS data layers, or database fields. The Search Results page includes a handy map link to view a given service directly through Mapdex. Once you find the desired resource, you can explore incorporating it within a project using ArcGIS or ArcExplorer—Java Edition for Education. See related ArcNews story.
Support News
Children Map the World
In 1993, the International Cartographic Association created a children's map competition. In the years since, some stunning portrayals of the earth have been produced, by children from 5 to 15 years old, from more than 50 countries. This beautiful book presents 100 portraits of the earth, showing the delight, reverence, and pain children feel as they see the world around them. Proceeds from the sale of this book go toward geographic literacy promotions that target developing countries and disadvantaged learners.
ESRI Geospatial Zone at NSTA
Science teachers may be the biggest group of GIS users in the K–12 classroom setting. At the annual conference of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), April 6–9 in Anaheim, California, the ESRI Geospatial Zone will have booths by ESRI and partners in remote sensing, GPS, curriculum development, and teacher training. There will be a hands-on laptop lab where attendees can go through short classes led by ESRI and partners and drawings for educational resources and software licenses. Learn how science classes can benefit from these powerful technologies!
ESRI Community Atlas
ESRI's U.S. Community Atlas is a project in which teachers and students define the nature of their communities and post descriptions and maps about them. These small presentations (10–20 maps, 1,000–2,500 words) are combined on the Web and can be explored for similarities and differences. The Web site contains full guidelines and templates, pointers to free data and free mapping options, and model projects from each year. In addition to getting their community's description publicly posted, schools contributing a project that meets the guidelines earn software or other educational resources. The submission deadline is May 19, 2006.
User News
ESRI 4-H Grant Program
ESRI has worked with 4-H for two years, helping expand programs directed at the nearly seven million youth members. This program has been 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 has been created in cooperation with the National 4-H Headquarters; the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Learn more about the 2006 ESRI Grant Program for U.S. 4-H. The deadline is March 31, 2006!
GLOBE at Night
Kids, parents, and teachers can all participate in a worldwide data-gathering event, March 22–29! The GLOBE program emphasizes data collection and analysis to see the patterns of the environment and understand the process of science. GLOBE at Night is an effort to look at light pollution around the world by recording the magnitude of visible stars. Urban, suburban, and rural data entries are all needed! The data from the event will be presented in maps and be downloadable as well. Learn more.
Calendar, Upcoming Events
Local GIS User Group Meetings
GIS Day (everywhere, any day)
GLOBE at Night
Worldwide
March 22–29, 2006
Deadline for ESRI 4-H Grant Program
March 31, 2006
National Science Teachers Association
Anaheim, CA
April 6–9, 2006
Deadline for ESRI Community Atlas
May 19, 2006
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