Maps are such a powerful tool. When I was a STEM coordinator and instructional coach, I use ArcGIS all the time to help do exactly what you outline here. I love the idea of using physical maps as well! Whether high-tech or low-tech, making the learning visible is so important, especially in science.
Not sure if you experienced this, but I was surprised when I first started introducing maps. Many of my HS students struggled orienting themselves. Providing physical maps first with a small subsection of something they were familiar with - the school grounds for example - was a good entry point before diving into the digital variety.
Yes! It’s almost like they are so used to using Google Maps, always being the center of the map, that my students also struggled to orient themselves. I usually start with mapping our classroom and then make our way outside (classroom —> school building (inside) —> school campus (outside) — > off campus (neighborhood). It’s always so much fun!
Do you have any experience geocaching with your students? It’s been a while for me, but I’m considering trying again in the fall.
Great learning progression - I would start with the paper maps - asking students to identify 'hazards' and 'amenities' in the community - from there we would analyze and they would identify an issue they wanted to learn more about and work to raise awareness and resolve.
Never done geocaching - looked it up - kinda sounds like a more academic version of the Pokemon hunt game.
I'll bet this would really spark joy and purpose in students and have the additional benefit of creating a deeper relationship with their communities. This is exactly what we need! Who doesn't love maps? This lesson is so empowering. Please transform our school, too!
Maps are such a powerful tool. When I was a STEM coordinator and instructional coach, I use ArcGIS all the time to help do exactly what you outline here. I love the idea of using physical maps as well! Whether high-tech or low-tech, making the learning visible is so important, especially in science.
Not sure if you experienced this, but I was surprised when I first started introducing maps. Many of my HS students struggled orienting themselves. Providing physical maps first with a small subsection of something they were familiar with - the school grounds for example - was a good entry point before diving into the digital variety.
Yes! It’s almost like they are so used to using Google Maps, always being the center of the map, that my students also struggled to orient themselves. I usually start with mapping our classroom and then make our way outside (classroom —> school building (inside) —> school campus (outside) — > off campus (neighborhood). It’s always so much fun!
Do you have any experience geocaching with your students? It’s been a while for me, but I’m considering trying again in the fall.
Great learning progression - I would start with the paper maps - asking students to identify 'hazards' and 'amenities' in the community - from there we would analyze and they would identify an issue they wanted to learn more about and work to raise awareness and resolve.
Never done geocaching - looked it up - kinda sounds like a more academic version of the Pokemon hunt game.
What I have used with students is Field Maps - that might be worth exploring as well. https://www.esri.com/en-us/arcgis/products/arcgis-field-maps/overview
I'll bet this would really spark joy and purpose in students and have the additional benefit of creating a deeper relationship with their communities. This is exactly what we need! Who doesn't love maps? This lesson is so empowering. Please transform our school, too!
You're 100% correct - thanks for the comment and excitement - maps rule!
Working on the transformation part ;)