The goal of the OVERspace project is to develop and implement for Virginias educators, a state-wide professional development program and network for using.

The goal of the OVERspace project is to develop and implement for Virginia’s educators , a state-wide professional development program and network for using remotely sensed data, GIS, and GPS as effective teaching and learning tools.

GIS is a System of computer software, hardware and data, and personnel to help manipulate, analyze and present information that is tied to a spatial location –

• spatial location – usually a geographic location• information – visualization of analysis of data • system - linking software, hardware, data• personnel – a thinking explorer who is key to

the power of GIS-

Geographic Information Systems

A Definition of GIS Geographic Information Systems

A Definition of GIS

• A method to visualize, manipulate, analyze, and display spatial datato study the world

• “Smart Maps” linking a database to the map, creating dynamic displays

Some Ways GIS is Used

Emergency Services

Environmental

Natural Disasters

Education

Government

Medical

Industry, Businesses

Defense

1. Upper Roanoke River Watershed-A Learning Adventure

2. Nifty Fifty! – (Studies of VA provinces and regions)

3. Water, Water Everywhere, But not a Drop to Drink! (Water supply issues)

4. Medical Geography- Vaccination in the U.S. -( Mapping disease spread)

5. Colonial Economics and Immigration- (Mapping historic sites & battles)

6. Living Life on the Edge! -(GIS uses in natural disasters )

7. Light My Fire! -(Studies of controlled burns and wildfires & satellite data))

8. A Bird’s EyeView -( Studies of the NASA SATS aircraft with GPS)

9. It’s Raining, It’s Pouring! -( Studies of precipitation and its impacts)

10. Virginia Physiography -( A study of the specific provinces of VA)

11. MicroClimates - (Student data collection and analysis of climate types)

12. Healthy Chesapeake? -(Studies of Virginia’s watersheds)

12 OVERspace GIS related lesson plans in development include:

• Science

– ES.1, ES.2, ES.3, ES.9

• Social Studies

• Computer Technology

• Math skills

• English (communications)

– 8.5, 9.2, 9.6, 10.1, 10.7, 10.9

Geographic Information Systems “GIS” @ your school

Geographic Information Systems “GIS” @ your school

GIS helps learners of any age think critically, learn in an integrated fashion, and exercise multiple intelligences.

The infinite variations possible in topic of study, scale of exploration, data engaged, analyses used, and questions asked help teachers model the importance of being a lifelong learner.

Combining Various Display Methods

GIS @ your school

• You need:–Computers–Software (free or commercial)–Some experience–Lots of enthusiasm–Applicable lesson plans for

integration in current curriculum

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the U.S. department of Defense.

GPS was originally intended for military applications, but in the 1980s, the government made the system available for civilian use.

GPS works in any weather conditions, anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day.

There are no subscription fees or

setup charges to use GPS.