ERIC Number: EJ1440778
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0036-8121
EISSN: EISSN-1940-1302
The Whole World in Your Hands: Explorations in Sustainability Education Using Geospatial Tools
Danielle J. Malone; J. B. Firestone; J. A. Morrison; S. N. Newcomer; L. K. Lightner
Science Activities: Projects and Curriculum Ideas in STEM Classrooms, v61 n4 p180-193 2024
This paper describes the integration of geographic information system (GIS) technology in a high school environmental science classroom, specifically examining the impact of GIS technology on student engagement, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary learning for Education for Sustainability (EfS). This environmental science classroom utilized ArcGIS Online and StoryMaps to facilitate hands-on learning, enabling students to explore spatial relationships, analyze data, and communicate insights to foster engagement and critical thinking. This GIS technology promotes interdisciplinary learning by connecting essential environmental issues with location and other social factors. Students deepen their understanding of human-environment interactions by interpreting spatial data, empowering them to propose sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. Using ArcGIS Online and StoryMaps, students engaged in guided lessons, explored sustainability topics, and created their own StoryMaps based on the United Nations' (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The findings highlight positive engagement, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary learning impacts. Students demonstrated increased interest, understanding of complex issues, and developed analytical skills through spatial data analysis. The approach encouraged interdisciplinary thinking and expanded awareness of ongoing environmental challenges, supporting EfS goals.
Descriptors: Sustainability, Environmental Education, Geographic Information Systems, High Schools, Secondary School Science, Learner Engagement, Critical Thinking, Interdisciplinary Approach, Hands on Science, Computer Software, Geographic Location, Social Influences, Data Analysis, Computer Uses in Education, Student Projects, Regional Characteristics, Urban Areas, Rural Areas
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: High Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Pennsylvania; Delaware; Washington
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A