The Intersection of Science Standards and the Real World Erika Klose, West Virginia Department of Education GIS is increasingly being used in classrooms in the state of West Virginia, through a state-wide K-12 license through ESRI. While GIS most easily lends itself to geography and the environmental sciences, it is also a powerful teaching tool in other disciplines. GIS can be used in teaching traditionally non-spatial topics, by adding a geospatial slant to a chosen type of data. This presentation will include a series of lessons designed to teach core science knowledge with a geospatial slant, the end goal being the intersection of standards-based core science content and real world applications. This presentation will also showcase a partnership between a number of WV GIS professional organizations and classroom teachers seeking to add authentic GIS experiences to their student’s education.

1. The Intersection of Science Standards
and the Real World
Erika Klose
WV Department of Education &
Winfield Middle School, Winfield, WV

2. Erika Klose
WVDE and Winfield Middle School
USGS Geologist / GIS user turned teacher
Manage WV K12 statewide license and train
WV teachers

3. NGSS Standards Connections
Science and Engineering Practices
1. Asking Questions and Defining Problems
2. Developing and Using Models
3. Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
4. Analyzing and Interpreting Data
5. Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
6. Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
7. Engaging in Argument from Evidence
8. Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

4. NGSS Standards Connections
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Physical Sciences
Matter and Its Interactions, Motion and Stability: Forces and
Interactions, Energy, Waves and Their Applications in Technologies
for Information Transfer
Life Sciences
From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes, Ecosystems:
Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics, Heredity: Inheritance and
Variation of Traits, Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity
Earth and Space Sciences
Earth’s Place in the Universe, Earth’s Systems, Earth and Human
Activity
Engineering, Technology, and the Applications of Science
Engineering Design , Links Among Engineering, Technology, Science
and Society

5. Encouraging the use of ArcGIS as a
“comprehensive” teaching tool

6. Encouraging the use of ArcGIS as a
“comprehensive” teaching tool

7. Encouraging the use of ArcGIS as a
“comprehensive” teaching tool
UV at the surface increases
about 6% per kilometer
above sea level.
Clear skies allow 100% of the
incoming UV radiation from the
sun to reach the surface, whereas
scattered clouds transmit 89%,
broken clouds transmit 73%, and
overcast conditions transmit 31%.
UV Calculation - 400 x 1.06 x 0.73 = 309.5 / 25 = 12.4

8. Encouraging the use of ArcGIS as a
“comprehensive” teaching tool

9. Make it spatial if it’s not!

10. Make it spatial if it’s not!

11. Make it spatial if it’s not!

12. Use all the capabilities!

13. Use all the capabilities!

14. Bringing varied content to teachers
would be impossible without our
GIS Partners!