Project Leaders: Drs. Thomas Baker [tbaker@ku.edu] and Steven Case [stcase@ku.edu]
MP3 Audio: What is E.S.I.C.-G.I.S.?
Description
The Extending Scientific Inquiry Through Collaborative Geographic Information Systems (ESIC) program is a three-year, jointly-sponsored program at the University of Kansas to promote the use of geotechnologies in K-12 science education. The program consists of yearly classes of 24 participants from across the U.S. and Canada who study and implement classroom scientific inquiry with the aid of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
The collaborative begins each spring with an eight-week online course, teaching the fundamentals of G.I.S. technologies and the integration of these technologies into middle and secondary science curriculum using a model of scientific research/inquiry (NRC, 1996). The following summer, participants meet face-to-face (for two weeks) to hone technical, pedagogical, and science content skills as they produce collaborative Problem-Based Learning units, using geotechnologies. During the subsequent fall ESIC fellows implement the curricula they have designed for their classrooms, refining the unit, reporting on student progress, and encouraging other classroom teachers to participate in the unit of study. ESIC fellows continue to communicate throughout the school year on their personal progress, using the ESIC digital communication network.
If you are interested in participating in ESIC, complete the participant application below and remit as soon as possible.
- Promotional flyer
- Application to join ESIC class of 2003 - closes March 1, 2003
- Rationale for E.S.I.C. Professional Development.
- National GIS Training Calendar for Educators
- KanGIS: GIS for Science Educators
- ArcLessons: GIS Lessons in Science and Social science
- PathFinder Science: Onlince Collaborative Science and Social Science Projects for classrooms
- ESRI K-12