Geo-spatial technologies in science education

Geo-spatial technologies (namely Geographic Information Systems - GIS, Global Positioning Systems - GPS, and Remote Sensing - RS) are getting popularity among K-12 science educators. Intensive efforts have been made in recent years by several educational research groups to develop inquiry-based investigations, curriculum-oriented lesson plans, and software-learning exercises through applying GIS/GPS/RS technologies. It has been recognized that unique functions of geo-spatial technologies in visualizing, exploring, integrating, and managing large volume of scientific data are particularly useful for K-12 science education, in addition to their natural links with computer technology education. This paper extracts several illustrations from the VISIT (Visual Immersion in Science Inquiry for Teachers - a teacher enhancement project funded by NSF and Easter Michigan University) project: Mapping pH in the Rouge River of Michigan, Evolution, From Field Trip to Scientific Exploration, West Nile Virus, El Ni (n) over tildeo's Chain of Cause and Effect, and State Trends in Teacher Salaries. These sample GIS-based science lessons demonstrate the use of a variety of GIS techniques as instruction and study tools in teaching and learning sciences.