Inquiring with GIS

The iGIS Project will help you guide students through regionally-relevant watershed investigations using Geographic Information Systems (GIS)—an interactive computer mapping and visualization tool. You will learn to use classroom-based GIS software, real-world data, and the iGIS supplementary curriculum to examine human impacts on stream ecosystems in the central Appalachian region. The iGIS project is open to 7th-12th grade science teachers in Appalachian Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The iGIS project is funded by the National Science Foundation.

Click the iGIS button below to visit our iGIS website and apply for the 2009 iGIS project.

Mapping & Monitoring Maryland Streams

A Teacher Professional Development Project Using GIS and Authentic Scientific Datasets

The MAMMS project is a collaboration between ALESE and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to help Maryland teachers guide students through locally-relevant stream investigations using DNR stream survey data and Geographic Information System (GIS)—a computer mapping and visualization tool that can extend the classroom and promote student understanding of science, technology and the local environment. Teachers will learn to use GIS and global positioning system (GPS) technology, customize GIS stream lessons for their curriculum, and apply them in their classroom.

The 2009 MAMMS project includes a 1-day introductory workshop, 4-day core workshop, and 1-day follow-up workshop to be held at the Smith Environmental Center (Rockville, MD). MAMMS is open to middle and high school science and technology teachers in Maryland. Participants will receive a stipend, travel expenses, GIS software, watershed lessons focused on Maryland, and extensive support from our GIS education staff. The MAMMS project is funded by the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office.

MAMMS application deadline has been extended until May 8, 2009. Apply early (first-come first-served). Click the MAMMS button below to download the 2009 MAMMS flyer and application.

Chesapeake Teacher Research Fellowship

Our Fellowship program immerses teachers in science research to improve their inquiry skills and knowledge of local ecology and environmental issues. After a weeklong introductory workshop, teacher fellows will spend the summer (six weeks) working alongside scientists on a research project at one four University of Maryland laboratories (including the Appalachian Laboratory). Each fellow will also develop a student lesson that builds on his or her research experience. The fellow will refine that lesson during two follow-up meetings and share it with peers at an education conference.

The 2009 Fellowship program is open to middle and high school teachers working in Maryland and in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Appalachian Laboratory projects include investigations of water quality in Baltimore streams and regional analysis of land cover in National Parks using digital maps and satellite images. Participants will receive a stipend, funds for classroom supplies, and assistance with travel expenses. The Fellowship program is funded by the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office and the National Park Service.

Click the Fellow button below to apply for our 2009 Fellowship project.

Partners in Ecology and Restoration of Schoolyards (piers)

PIERS is a watershed education program that helps western Maryland elementary schools improve schoolyard environments to provide native habitat, enhance water quality, and offer outdoor learning spaces for student exploration and investigations. PIERS builds on a partnership between the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Appalachian Laboratory (UMCES-AL), Garrett County Public Schools, and community groups. It is funded by the Chesapeake Bay Trust.

Since its inception in 2003, PIERS has established native demonstration gardens and adjacent native meadows at eight Garrett County elementary schools and the Garrett County Hickory Environmental Education Center. PIERS staff help teachers guide students through schoolyard activities and provide lending kits for these investigations. The Garrett County Board of Education received the prestigious state Civic Star Award from the American Association of School Administrators this initial efforts.

Click here for a virtual field trip to one of our PIERS schoolyard native gardens.