| Objective: Build the capacity to access environmental data from the State Center for Geographic Information and Analysis (CGIA) and county and municipal governments through geographic information systems (GIS).
Explanation: Geographic information systems (GIS) provide a strong link between North Carolina-specific environmental data, geographic mapping and a range of demographic information. Together these tools enhance environmental education through team teaching and the integration of science, social studies, mathematics and computer skills. A great wealth of environmental data is collected by state, federal and local government agencies in North Carolina. Access to this current environmental information through computerized distribution systems supported by CGIA combines relevant information with the interactive GIS technology enabling enthusiastic exploration and learning.
Action:
Work with master teachers to develop and pilot K-16 classroom applications of geographic information systems as well as effective teacher professional development programs to prepare teachers to use GIS in their classrooms.
Select and develop appropriate subsets of the North Carolina Corporate Geographic Database for use in GIS-related K-16 curricula. Make these databases available on CD-ROM and the Internet.
Develop GIS technical specifications for equipment and data to insure that new hardware and software purchases for schools will support geographic information systems software and environmental data layers.
Develop and promote collaborative exercises between students and local governments that use GIS to explore real-world problems and the use of technology to help create solutions. |
