GIS is in the STEM Standards Framework for Grades K-5

This introductory K-5 course helps younger students begin developing introductory skills and a foundational knowledge base important to subsequent STEM fields of study.  This course is intentionally designed to help prepare students for entry into the middle school STEM Foundations I course.  It is important to note that this course may be implemented flexibly to meet individual district needs within the K-5 grade band.

The TGA sees opportunity to incorporate GIS when engaging STEM Fields Exploration Standards which are designed to equip students with an understanding of STEM careers and occupations.
  • Analyze career opportunities and occupations that exist in a variety of STEM fields
  • Explore how technology is integrated into different career fields and occupations
  • Use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present spatial or geographic data.
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We would like you to take advantage of the following resources:

Using GIS in K-5 can be fun!
  • K-5 STEM teachers should get to know the STEAM at Work! characters. Especially Lindsey the GIS Professional Flip Book and Resources.
  • Esri’s GeoInquiries are short, standards-based inquiry activities for teaching map-based content found in commonly used textbooks. GeoInquiries are composed of three parts: a  PDF teacher guide, an interactive webmap, and an optional student worksheet. One of these collections is dedicated to Elementary School although I would encourage you to examine some of the other collections to see if you find more GeoInquiries you could use. There is a section specifically curated for Upper Elementary School.
  • National Geographic’s MapMaker is an online mapping tool for exploring the world through a variety of basemaps, data layers, and annotation options. With this web-based app, anyone can visually experience and interact with geospatial information about  Earth’s interconnected social and physical systems while also exploring the art of mapmaking.
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Click the image to discover STEAM at Work!