GIS for Elementary Students: An Inquiry into a New Approach to Learning Geography.
Abstract This case study investigates the potential use of GIS as a means for teaching geography to elementary students. A GIS learning project based upon constructivist pedagogy was developed and introduced to a fifth grade classroom. The findings suggest that the GIS module afforded students considerable opportunity to practice geographic skills. In addition, GIS in the elementary classroom can be highly motivating; however, it is also likely to cause a great deal of frustration. Several promising approaches to the use of GIS at the elementary level are suggested: using local data in the context of an authentic problem, developing elementary level GIS modules, and using a collaborative approach in association with the cognitive apprenticeship metaphor.
Abstract This paper describes the philosophy, algorithms, and implementation of a computer simulation model for land use forecasting, and the capability of generating maps of these forecasts. The model is applicable to SMSA's organized on a census tract basis by counties. The forecasts are macro to the census tract level for industrial, residential, commercial and public land uses. Modeling is based on an economic data base of the region, and is extremely flexible for the user. An example set of forecasts and maps is included for illustrative purposes.