Other Free Resources
Lessons & Activities
Introducing GIS
What is GIS? By: Nathan Howell and Andrey Koptelov
Grades 7-9
How to use maps, the basic components of GIS, and GIS applications.
Digital Mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) By: Nathan Howell and Andrey Koptelov
Grades 7-9
Unit with various lessons to learn the basics of GIS and GIS applications
Map Making and Reading
Grades 3-12+
How to read topographic maps ect.
Print various scale maps.
Students use oranges to learn about the challenges of making a 3D surface 2D.
Aerial and Satellite Imagery
Get Started with Imagery - Esri
Estimated Time: 30 minutes
Suggested Grades: 6- 12
Description: "In this lesson, you'll explore Landsat imagery with the Esri Landsat app."
Cuban Missile Crisis - GeoEx Mod-1.pdfA worksheet from the Spy Museum, Washington D.C., uses aerial imagery from the Cuban Missile Crisis to determine if Cuba was creating weapons. GeoEx created another version of this document which focuses on areal imagery.
Original found here.
Geography
Pan around a map of the earth to answer geography based questions.
Human Geography
Estimated Time: 15 minutes
Suggested Grade Level: 6-12+
Description: Students will use a provided map to "... identify differences in the distribution of arable land on a global scale" and "...use imagery to analyze difference in rural land use and the alteration of the natural environment."
Estimated Time: 15 minutes
Suggested Grade Level: 6 -12+
Description: "Students will evaluate bio-climatic regions and assess their viability for agricultural production."
Wildlife Biology
The Science of Camera Trapping - ScienceLIVE
Estimated Time: 30 minutes
Suggested Grade Level: 6-9th
Description: "Students analyze camera trap images to determine the type of scientific data that can be gathered from these images... and discuss the role and value of this data for scientific research.
Capturing Ecological Data with Camera Traps - ScienceLIVE
Estimated Time: 100 minutes
Suggested Grade Level: 6-9th
Description: "In this open-ended, inquiry-based lesson, students use skills learned in..." The Science of Camera Trapping "... to develop their own questions about wildlife that can be answered with data from the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP). Students develop a question, hypothesis, and research plan, they then collect appropriate data from the OSMP to answer their question and draw conclusions from their results.
Reading
Grades 4-5
Read about how Fire Fighters reach fires efficiently.
Grades 3 -5
Learn what a GIS professional does.
How to Lie with Maps: Mark Monmonier
Grade 12+
Read about how maps can show bias and propaganda.
Mapping Our Place in the World: Library of Congress Magazine
Grades 10 +
Learn about cartography and how it helps us interpret information
Web Pages
Teach Engineering: STEM Curriculum for K-12
Search for various units, lessons, and activities.
Activities for kids K-5.
Collection of GIS and Mapping activities for kids.
Lessons available for K through College.
"It is ScienceLIVE's mission to act as..." a "... bridge between scientists and students through video-based lesson plans designed to create a stronger relationship between science and the community.
Volunteering and Outdoor Activities
Observe changes in your local environment and record them for science!
Use a GPS or your phone to find Geocaches, created by people like you, all around the world.
Observe birds everywhere! Record your bird observations with ebird.
