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 Service Pack 2
Over the summer, many schools rebuilt their labs or just got started with ArcView 9. When installing the software, remember to add the latest service pack, which provides valuable improvements for many users. Service Pack 2 is now ready and includes all the tweaks from SP1 plus additional fixes. To see what version of software (including service pack) is currently running, engage the ArcGIS Desktop Administrator; the first screen details the current configuration. ArcGIS is a family of products, so the link above includes links for several products; users of ArcView and extensions need only install the ArcGIS Desktop service pack from the above link.
ArcWeb Explorer
Rich Internet mapping made easy! ArcWeb Explorer is a Web-based mapping application engaging ESRI's ArcWeb Services. Flash-based maps mean high-speed access on current Macintosh and Windows browsers. Users can access street maps, weather maps, satellite or shaded relief imagery, topographic maps, transportation data, demographic data, and boundaries. Go to the Use tab, choose ArcWeb Explorer, and click the Launch ArcWeb Explorer button. Choose Map Types, and try Data. Zoom in to the 48 states, then your own state, then your own vicinity. Try Reports also. Explore!
Data News
This Dynamic Planet
Want to explore the locations of volcanoes and earthquakes on a live map over the Internet? This Web site (created by the Smithsonian, United States Geological Survey, and U.S. Naval Research Laboratory) shows three fabulous maps with tectonic events, plate boundaries, and impact craters. Clicking on the world and polar maps provides access to mapping engines using ArcIMS to display the data in a live format with independent layers to manipulate. Users of ArcView or ArcExplorer—Java Edition for Education can even use the ArcIMS address as a source of data for even more free-wheeling investigations! There's even data to download and use on your own! Visit www.minerals.si.edu/tdpmap/index.htm.
U.S. Census Bureau
Know what big number is approaching? Try "300,000,000." This nice round number is the figure that the U.S. population will soon surpass. For the latest population clock estimate, just go to the front page of the Census Bureau's Web site. To learn more about the nature of the people of the United States, check out the American FactFinder (http://factfinder.census.gov). There, you can get a community fact sheet, download data tables, or make thematic maps. There's a never-ending supply of content for analysis!
Support News
ESRI Education Team Grows!
The ESRI education team has added two new members whose names many will recognize. Dr. Joseph Kerski is ESRI's new Education Industry Curriculum Manager and will focus on the development of materials for all levels of education. Dr. Tom Baker is ESRI's new Education Industry Internet Manager and will focus on the development of a portal for GIS education. Look for them online and at coming events featuring GIS education.
Dr. Tom Baker |
Dr. Joseph Kerski |
ESRI Community Atlas
ESRI's U.S. Community Atlas is a project in which students or youth groups define the nature of their "community" and post descriptions and maps about it. These small presentations (10–20 original maps, 1,000–2,500 original 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 mapping options, plus model projects from each year. In addition to getting their community's description publicly posted, K–12 schools contributing a project that meets the guidelines earn software or other educational resources. Deadline for submissions is May 2007. See the full description at www.esri.com/communityatlas.
User News
GIS in 4-H
The 2006 ESRI User Conference had many highlights, but one of the longest and loudest rounds of applause was for six 4-H youth who showed how they have been using GIS. The six speakers, from 18 down to 10 years old, showed that the seven million 4-H youth across the country represent a powerful force for doing good work in the community. From emergency preparedness to environmental cleanup to town planning and even crime analysis, 4-H clubs are helping their communities through the use of GIS. There are more than 50,000 4-H clubs across the United States, but only some 300 are currently using GIS. The rest could use a hand to get started. Pick up some ideas at www.esri.com/4-h.
2007 ESRI Education User Conference
It's already time to submit your presentation proposal! The 2007 Education User Conference (EdUC) will be held June 16–19, in San Diego, California. User presentations provide the most critical content for educators who are just getting started or for those who seek ideas for expanding a program. Submit your presentation proposal online by October 6, 2006! See full details at www.esri.com/educ.
Calendar: Key Events
Local GIS User Group Meetings
State Educational Technology Directors Association
Washington, D.C.
October 1–3, 2006
National Council for Geographic Education
Lake Tahoe, NV
October 5–8, 2006
ESRI EdUC Call for Presentations Deadline
October 6, 2006
ArcLessons Challenge Deadline
October 16, 2006
National 4-H
Milwaukee, WI
October 22–26, 2006
National Science Teachers Association Regional Conference
Baltimore, MD
November 2–4, 2006
GIS Day
Everywhere
November 15, 2006
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
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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