MAPPING GIS DATA IN SCIENCE: A UNIVERSITY/HIGH SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP

High school students generally learn geoscience concepts and about geological features as static entities. Texts, videos and laboratory exercises most often lack the means to show the dynamic characteristics of such concepts and features. In contrast, teachers can now use computer representations of geographical information systems (GIS) and research results to process data dynamically over time. This reports on a university-high school geoscience research project to achieve that objective by mapping Charmlee Wilderness Park in Los Angeles County. Classroom lessons introduce the tools and techniques of ArcView GIS, and skills development are provided on-line through ESRI websites. Students work through mapping the park with data collected during the project, and by downloading it from internet resources. Using the data, students construct a thematic representation of an actual wilderness region in their area. Students use data to construct themes (layers) of maps for boundaries, roads, water sources, elevations and vegetation. They then use GPS units to plot points and check the downloaded information. The approach is referenced to national and state standards in science education, including those for California public schools. Guidelines, resources, and contacts to assist in developing a university-school partnership are referenced.