2025 GIS Workshop for Teachers

The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) workshop is designed specifically for middle and high school teachers, focusing on the fundamentals and classroom applications of GIS. This hands-on workshop aims to equip educators with the knowledge and skills to integrate GIS technology into their curriculum, enhancing the learning experience across various subjects such as geography, environmental science, history, and more.

Participants will learn about the basics of GIS, including map creation, data analysis, and spatial thinking. The workshop features interactive sessions where teachers can explore real-world applications of GIS, learning how to make the subject accessible and exciting for students. By the end of the workshop, attendees will have the confidence to create their own GIS projects and inspire their students with this innovative technology.

Whether you're a novice or have some experience with GIS, this workshop will offer valuable insights and practical tips to make geospatial technology a dynamic part of your teaching toolkit. Join us to discover how GIS can bring a new dimension to your classroom and engage students in a digitally evolving worldIn this final session, learn how to share your analysis, finished maps, and data using ArcGIS Online. We will also cover product options, including layouts in ArcGIS Pro and apps and StoryMaps in ArcGIS Online.

The GIS Workshop for Teachers will be a 1-day program that will involve the following activities:

• Session 1 – Learn (9:00am – 12:00pm)
  • Welcome (20 minutes)
    • Reda Amer, Director of UMSL’s Geospatial Collaborative, will provide an overview of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as well as UMSL’s growing geospatial science and technology research and opportunities.
  • Why GIS? (40 minutes)
    • Guest Speaker from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), will provide a brief overview of careers in geospatial science and why getting students interested at a young age is critical.
  • Hands-on (2 hours)
    • Gizelle Cota will lead teachers through hands-on applications of GIS
      • Task 1: Create ArcGIS Online Accounts and discuss in-classroom solutions for GIS access
      • Task 2: Tutorials (options to be provided to show broad interdisciplinary applications)
    • Wrap-up discussion on GIS applications and careers

• Break – Lunch Will Be Provided (12:00pm – 1:00pm)

• Session 2 – Apply (1:00pm – 3:30pm)

The afternoon session of the workshop be facilitated by Dr. Sarah Coppersmith a faculty member in the College of Education’s and UMSL Geospatial Team and will include:

• Overview Session
  • 20 Minutes: Time to discuss curricular implementation in your classroom,
  • 20 Minutes: Specific examples and opportunities to practice geospatial skills,
  • 20 Minutes: Using the Survey123 App

• Outdoor Session (2:00 – 3:30)

• Sarah Coppersmith and Assistant Professor Gizelle Cota will lead an outdoor session on using the Survey123 app to collect GIS survey data.
• Zach Riding will conduct an outdoor session demonstrating the use of the Robotic Spot Dog for GIS survey data collection.

1. Developed a basic understanding of GIS and its applications.
2. Gained hands-on experience in using ArcGIS Online.
3. Developed plans to incorporate GIS into classroom lesson planning aligned with school district standards and instructional plans.
4. Identified ways to work with the UMSL Geospatial Collaborative in the future.