Geographic Information Systems (GIS) comprise a complex system of tools that facilitate the collection, display, and analysis of geospatial (location-based) data. A GIS is effective in supporting STEM work across the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities and is an effective tool in supporting STEM curriculum.This 6-hour workshop is designed for teachers who have little or no experience with GIS and want to gain an understanding of the technology and how to incorporate it into their curriculum. Participants will gain a basic understanding of the core concepts of a GIS and learn how to apply ESRI’s ArcGIS Online technology to use in the classroom. 

At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to answer the following questions:

● What is a Geographic Information System and how does it aid a user in answering questions about location-based data?

● How do you apply different GIS analysis tools to support curriculum?

● What resources are available to support the use of GIS in the classroom?

● What careers use GIS tools?

At the workshop, participants will:

● Explore the basics of using ESRI’s ArcGIS Online software through a series of workshop directed tutorials

● Outline how to incorporate GIS tools into a curriculum with supportive activities

● Know where to go online to find additional relevant local GIS data sources

● Use the WA State Invasive Species mobile app for collecting and reporting data 

● Experience multiple ways to collect, maintain and store GIS related data using ArcGIS Online

● Share maps and data results in various formats (online apps and digital/hard copy maps)

*Participants will need to pre-register before the workshop for ArcGIS. Information and support regarding ArcGIS account set-up will be provided once registration is complete.