Training Teachers and Environmental Educators to Use Technology (GIS) to Access Environmental Data for Classroom Use

The North Carolina GIS Environmental Education Consortium was formed in 1996 to provide week-long professional development workshops that will allow educators to use computerized data mapping (Geographic Information Systems - GIS) to access research quality North Carolina specific environmental data for classroom activities in all subject areas K-12. Students of all ages thrill to the technology revealing a computerized map of extensive layers of environmental data relevant to their own communities, neighborhoods and backyards. They easily extrapolate and "zoom out" into the larger and larger world around them gaining a better understanding of the environmental consequences of individual activities as well as educational skills required of their grade level. The Consortium has conducted the GIS workshops for seven years, training about 175 educators across the state. Participating teachers earn Continuing Education Units (CEU) required for renewal of their North Carolina teaching certificates, and all educators earn credits needed to become Certified Environmental Educators.

Detailed Description of Program

Links:
NCSU Sci-Link
Center for Geographic Information and Analysis