LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Regional layers: Low-tech Geographic Information System (GIS)

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/05/g912/gis.html

A lesson plan for grades 9–12 Science

Provider: National Geographic


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Regions help us organize and better understand geographic information. An area can be part of many regions. Knowing how to analyze regional data by exploring it in layers can help us see the complexity of regional characteristics and relationships. This activity is designed to have students explore the physical characteristics of a hypothetical region through the use of a low-tech version of a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) map-overlay analysis. Students will form conclusions about the kinds of human development regions that could emerge from their physical regions.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Science (2005)

Grade 9–12 — Earth/Environmental Science

  • Goal 1: The learner will develop abilities necessary to do and understand scientific inquiry in the earth and environmental sciences.
    • Objective 1.03: Evaluate the uses of satellite images and imaging techniques in the earth and environmental sciences.
    • Objective 1.06: Identify and evaluate a range of possible solutions to earth and environmental issues at the local, national, and global level including considerations of:
      • Interdependent human and natural systems.
      • Diverse perspectives.
      • Short and long range impacts.
      • Economic development, environmental quality and sustainability.
      • Opportunities for and consequences of personal decisions.
      • Risks and benefits of technological advances.