Teaching With GIS

Geographic information systems (GIS) can help learners of all ages understand the world around them. GIS helps students and teachers engage in studies that promote critical thinking, integrated learning, and multiple intelligences, at any grade level.

In classrooms across the country and around the world, educators are using GIS in the study of topics as varied as Environmental Studies, History, and Economics. The resources below show how GIS is being used in schools and by educational organizations.

Introductory Documents

• Geographic Inquiry: Thinking Geographically
  [PDF-663 KB, 4 pages]
• Exploring Common Ground: The Educational Promise of GIS
  [PDF-20 KB, 4 pages]
• Explore Your World with a Geographic Information System—Teaching Package
  [PDF-1 MB, 56 pages]
• Explore Your World With a Geographic Information System—Poster
  [PDF-500 KB, 1 page]
• Geohistorical Inquiry: Connecting Place and Time and Critical Thinking
  [PDF-1.7 MB, 13 pages]

Online Reports and Articles

• National Research Council: Learning to Think Spatially
• Heinemann Press: GIS in the Classroom
• KanGIS: Dissertations and Theses on GIS in Education
• USGS: GIS Education Columns and Articles
• ESRI Education and Training Library

View related case studies