Missouri GIS Advisory Council Education Outreach

Efforts this year will focus on creating an educator workshop and student opportunities for the Missouri GIS Conference in Columbia, MO April 20 - April 24, 2025

If you would like to be part of this programming or want updates to send to students please email Tara Vansell - tvansell@lindenwood.edu

A Geographic Information System (GIS) analyzes and displays geographically referenced information.  It integrates data related to specific locations, connecting where things are with descriptive information about what those things are like in that location ^1    2  .

• Purpose: GIS captures, stores, checks, and displays data related to positions on Earth’s surface.
• Data Integration: It combines seemingly unrelated data, allowing individuals and organizations to better understand spatial patterns and relationships.
• Applications: GIS can show various types of data on a single map, such as streets, buildings, vegetation, and more.
• Use Cases: It is used in fields like urban planning, environmental management, disaster response, and natural resource analysis.

The Esri/National Geographic MapMaker is an interactive mapping tool (GIS) designed to enhance student engagement, critical thinking, and curiosity about the interconnected systems of our world. This free and accessible tool allows educators and students to explore Earth’s geographic information and technology.

1. MapMaker provides a collection of curated basemaps that serve as foundational layers for creating maps.
2. Users can overlay additional data layers related to various topics, such as social studies and earth science.
3. Students can annotate maps with text, symbols, and other visual elements to tell stories about our world.

GeoInquiries™ are used to integrate ArcGIS Online technology and K-12 subject matter. Instructor guides include learning objectives, technical "how-to’s", textbook references – all packed into one page. Student worksheets, vocabulary lists, self-check guides, readings, and LMS integration are also included for each activity. These activities are technology agnostic and can be delivered in a classroom with as little as a tablet and a projector. Any teacher can use a GeoInquiry, regardless of their prior experience with digital mapping tools.

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