INTRODUCING CURRENT GEO-SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGY: MAP READING, THE COMPASS, GPS AND GIS IN AN 8TH GRADE WORLD GEOGRAPHY CLASSROOM: THE GK-12 PROJECT AND IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY, POCATELLO, IDAHO

Idaho State University and the Pocatello School District #25 have collaborated through the National Science Foundation's (NSF) GK-12 Project for the past three years. Throughout the past school year, the primary goal for my Fellow/Teacher partnership at Franklin Middle School was to strengthen the physical geography and geotechnology aspects of the curriculum within the 8th grade World Geography classroom. Our motivation was to give the students an opportunity to create a higher understanding of how Earth Science is conducted and what possible future career opportunities exist. During the academic year, the map reading and compass units were expanded and new multiple day GPS and GIS units were added. These were taught to students in addition to, and concurrently with, the necessary required material for 8th grade World Geography. The implementation of our goal began at the beginning of the school year with both expanded map reading and compass units. Students initially learned about topographic maps, how the maps are made, how to read them, how to use them, and finally, how to utilized topographic maps as a base for other geologic maps. Within the compass unit, students learned the basics of orienteering and geologic compasses through hands-on experiences outdoors. Later in the spring, the two new GPS and GIS units were introduced. Lessons encompassed basic introduction to the simple theory behind each system, numerous hands on mini-lessons, in which students learned to use the technology, and inquiry based assignments during which students were allowed to explore the capabilities of each system on their own. By the end of the academic year, the students had been provided a more complete overview of geography and the current tools scientist use to collect and analyze data.