GIS In Education: GIS Activities and Projects
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Based on activity developed in summer workshops for educators by Jennifer Slusher at North Carolina State University.

• National Standards
• Outcomes
• Focus Question
• Materials
• Procedures
• Assessment
• Extensions/Enrichment

NATIONAL SCIENCE EDUCATION STANDARDS

4F4  Individuals can use a systematic approach to thinking critically about risks and benefits.

OUTCOMES

Content

• Students will create a base map.

Process

• Students will engage in on-line research
• Students will practice mapping skills
• Students will make oral presentation
• Students will create a visual presentation

FOCUS QUESTION

What city in your state would serve as the best host city for the 2004 Summer Olympics?

MATERIALS

Computer 

• Internet access
• ArcView software
• Art Supplies
• Printer

Map of your state

PROCEDURES

As members of the Olympic Committee for the 2004 Summer Games, you must decide upon a host city.  You will be divided up into sub-committees. Each sub-committee will be responsible for nominating a city to host these games.

Your sub-committee is responsible for an oral presentation that includes:

• A base map of the area.
• Discussion/explanation of the layers that influenced your committee’s decision.  Make an oral presentation.
• One visual/promotional item on the proposed site to aid your campaign.

Remember:

• The Olympics are for 2 weeks in June.
• Many sports are represented and multiple venues will be necessary.
• You may not recommend a previous US site.
• You must consider the athletes/sports in your planning and also the crowds that will attend the games as spectators.
• Your site must be at least 10 miles from any facility that reports land releases of hazardous waste in light of public health and safety.

ASSESSMENT

Each sub-committee will present findings to the class.  Students will be assessed based on a rubric for oral presentation and visual component.

EXTENSION/ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES

• Students brainstorm ideas in order to produce rubrics for the oral presentation and the visual/promotional component.
• Students develop their own problem scenario and exchange with classmates to review using ArcView.