Title: How to Use Geographic Information Systems in School
Headings: What Is GIS and How to Use It in Education
What Is GIS and How to Use It in Education
Key Takeaways: GIS in the Classroom
What Is a GIS?
Google Earth for the Classroom
Examples of Google Earth GIS Lessons and Activities
ESRI GIS in the Classroom
Examples of Lessons and Activities Using ESRI
GIS for Education Policy
Students Know GIS

Content: For a world history class, there are lessons organized around story maps for the Cradles of Civilization, the Silk Roads: Then and Now, and Early European exploration. Environmental science students can investigate marine debris, the role of ocean gyres, and how humans impact trash accumulation. Whatever the platform, educators who use GIS in the classroom engage their students in inquiry-driven, problem-solving activities that are aligned to state standards. The application of GIS in the classroom can also prepare students to consider a variety of career pathways that are in demand. GIS for Education Policy
GIS helps students think critically about authentic problems by using real-time data, but there are other educational applications. A GIS can support large and small school districts in decision and policy making. For example, a GIS can provide district administrators and community safety experts the information about school buildings and surrounding areas to design and manage safety programs. In other examples, GIS data analysis of the community's transportation infrastructure can help streamline bus routes. When communities experience population shifts, a GIS can help districts in making decisions about building new schools or when to close old ones.