CGC1 Week 3: Geotechnologies Study Notes

CGC1 Week 3: Geotechnologies

Overview

  • Title of the Week: Geotechnologies
  • Central Questions Explored:
    • What is where?
    • Why there?
    • Why care?

Weekly Schedule

  • Monday:
    • Introduction to Geotechnology (Local/Global)
  • Tuesday:
    • Using GeoTechnology Locally/Globally (Lesson focus)
  • Wednesday:
    • Creating your own "Story Map" (Lesson focus)
  • Thursday:
    • ArcGIS Introduction (Lesson focus)
  • Friday:
    • No specific activities mentioned; possibly related to wrapping up learning for the week.

Details of Each Day

Monday: Introduction to Geotechnology
  • Focus on understanding geotechnologies at both local and global scales.
  • Resources Provided:
    • Electronic copies are view-only; students must make editable digital copies.
Tuesday: Using GeoTechnology Locally/Globally
  • Lesson Topics:
    • Introduction to Geotechnologies
    • Students participated in activities using Google Earth.
  • Activity:
    • Students played a game of GeogGuessr, competing for the title of best player in class.
  • Resources/Links Discussed:
    • Article: "When Google Maps Goes Wrong"
    • How Ottawa's Planning Department uses maps for development:
    • Information about shadows and wind impacts on neighboring areas during large-scale development.
  • Local Geotechnology:
    • Activity: Mapping the local area and applying geotechnology.
    • Tool explored: GeoOttawa Application (Time constraints limited full exploration; may be revisited).
  • Global Geotechnology:
    • Applications discussed included both serious and fun aspects, including a Scavenger Hunt activity titled "Earth From Above."
    • Extra Resource:
    • Video: "Geospatial Revolution"
Wednesday: Creating Your Own "Story Map"
  • Lesson Outline:
    • Students engaged in creating personalized maps using Google My Maps.
  • Activity Prompt:
    • Choose a theme suitable for mapping.
  • Discussion Point:
    • Geography in the news: a case study involving a prank using Google Maps.
  • Assignment:
    • Google My Maps Assignment with video instructions provided.
Thursday: ArcGIS Introduction
  • Lesson Focus:
    • Importance of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
  • Activities Included:
    • Students logged into their ArcGIS accounts.
  • Resources Discussed:
    • Logging into the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
    • Overview of ArcGIS Online, emphasizing ESRI Canada student resources and introductions to the platform.

Key Concepts and Tools

  • Geotechnologies:
    • Definition: Technologies that collect, store, analyze, and visualize geographic data and information.
  • Google My Maps:
    • Tool for creating personalized maps using themes chosen by individuals.
  • ArcGIS:
    • A web-based GIS platform enabling mapping and analysis of spatial data.
    • Focus on creating Story Maps to effectively communicate geographic information and narratives.

Implications of Discussed Concepts

  • Importance of Maps in Urban Planning:
    • The use of technology in planning allows for better visualization of potential impacts on communities and the environment.
  • Geotechnologies in Education:
    • Encouragement of creativity and critical thinking through mapping exercises and the creation of story maps.
  • Engagement in GeoTechnology Learning:
    • Interactive games and activities designed to enhance learning experience and engagement with geographic technologies.