SUPERMAPPINGGeographical information systems

Date 14.08.13

Presenter name/other information

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Challenge overview

You are asked to develop an idea based on the mapping of places using Geographical Information Systems.

This can be related to:

• Your school or local area

• A wider project that is already being taught (mapping data from a field trip)

• A bigger question such as population data for health versus economic data

• Natural landscapes and data that can either be acquired from the internet or generated by the students

The aim of this is to give students a practical insight into the use and value of GIS systems for a range of Geographical and other Earth Science-based questions.

Students will get hands on training on GIS based software.

We will use freeware so that schools and students can work away from RHUL but there will be Gepgraphy staf support.

We will try to provide both the GIS based expertise but also expert knowledge on the research area

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Curriculum links

Core Curriculum links

The use of Geographic software as a geographical skill

Practical hands on experience of using Geographic data and could be incorporated into a GCSE project

Can provide core training for a future As or A level project where use of data analyses and GIS systems is an important skill.

Wider Curriculum Links

The project is flexible so students can develop an idea that fits any area of the Geography curriculum

Clear potential areas include:

Health and populations

Physical systems such as rivers and flooding or coastal erosion

Geohazards

Environmental protection

Urban spaces and urban issus

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Examples

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Added value

GIS is a key Geographical tool that is becoming more and more common in both specific Geographic projects and jobs, and teaching.

By using this approach students will get practical hands on experience on software that will allow them to think differently about how geography works

It will allow them new insights into how space is a critical factor in thinking about Geography and other areas of study

They will have the added value of designing a project and realising it with a piece of software

We have developed experience of similar projects working with sixth formers and now want to develop this idea with other year groups.

Working closely with a University team will also allow the students to start to think beyond the school learning environment

We will help to develop the core skills of thinking about a suitable research project and then developing and realising it.

Thank you