This week we will learn about how GIS (Geographic Information System) records and analyzes data collected using ESRI ArcGIS software. Learning these skills will be a HUGE benefit to you, as being able to use this cutting-edge software will open many professional doors for you in the future!
Today you are going to begin the “Getting Started with GIS" self-study course from the ESRI Virtual Campus. Follow the step-by-step directions below carefully:
- Go to: http://training.esri.com/gateway/index.cfm
- Click on “Start or continue your courses” under the “My Training” section on the right side of the screen.
- Click on “Self-Paced Training” under “How To Register” on the right side of the screen.
- Click on “Search for Virtual Campus courses” under “1. Find a course:”
- Scroll down until you find “Getting Started with GIS” Self-Study (Virtual Campus). Click on this course.
- Click on the green button “Try it Now” on the right hand side of the screen.
- Click on “Create New Account”
- CAREFULLY fill in each of the fields. Write down your User Name and Passwordon our clipboard! For Organization, please fill in Kihei Charter School. Use your KCS gmail address, because you will need to be able to confirm your registration by opening your email shortly! Click “Create My Global ESRI Account.”
- Open your gmail account and click on the link embedded in the email.
- Type in your password.
- Read the “Course Introduction”
- Click on Module 1: The Big Picture of GIS, and begin working through the audio slide shows. In order to complete the activity “Explore the world map,” you will need to FOLLOW DIRECTIONS and download data to work with.
- Do your best today to complete as much of the 3 Modules as you can. We will continue this online course over the second quarter. Your work will be saved for future classes.
- If you finish ALL 3 Modules - Take the Course Exam! When you have finished, raise your hand so that I can record your grade!
We know this might seem overwhelming at first, but we know you are capable! Have fun and enjoy learning some new skills!!!
This week we are starting our projects!
Tuesday's Agenda and Assignments
We will be going to Makena Landing and doing a first hand observational study of the area. Our question of the day, as it relates to everyone's project, is: How can I inspire someone to ... protect an area? Value an area? Work to preserve an area?
We will find, sketch, photogaph, and describe characteristics of this are that we think are of value. We will need these observations and details for our work on Thursday.
Thursday's Agenda and Assignments
We will rotate through two different stations:
1. Using our research from Tuesday we will create a one minute "pitch" that is intended to inspire someone to protect and preserve Makena Landing. You will also use a visual to support your pitch. We will be recording these pitches using VoiceThread.
Click on this link to learn about how to use a VoiceThread.
You only need to watch this tutorial up to the point when they begin to show you sample VoiceThreads (this starts with the picture of the woman and her family), but you are welcome to come back after you finish this assignment to watch these - some are quite interesting!
Next, you must register with VoiceThread so that you may begin to use it.
Now search for "Inspiration for Preservation" and you'll find our VoiceThread. Your job is to upload your one minute "pitch" as a comment on this VoiceThread. Be sure to listen to your pitch to ensure that it makes sense!
FInally, if you took pictures at Makena Landing, pick out your favorite one for this assignment and email it to Ms. Weaver and Mrs. Marggraf: gweaver@kcsohana.com and mbuffington@kcsohana.com
If you did a sketch instead of phtotos, make sure it is complete and is in your journal.
2. Continuing to create a survey for our projects (surveys were started last Thursday in class).
Reflection Journal Questions:
Why did you choose the image that you did for our Makena Landing assignment?
Why do you think this image would inspire or motivate someone?
What is an image that you have found in your life to be inspirational or motivational?
Describe this image.
What makes this image so powerful for you?
This week we will work to refine and finalize our project proposals! We will also begin the exciting task of creating surveys for our projects!
Tuesday's Agenda and Assignments
1. Hand in work from last Tuesday
2. Review today's agenda and answer any questions
3. Head out to Kam III and find a partner to work with
4. Use the peer feedback form to provide constructive criticism to your partner to help them make their project proposal even better
5. Use your partner's feedback to revise your original proposal
6. Return to school
7. Complete the reflection journal questions for the day, which are written here:
Evaluate the collaborative process of working with your partner and answer the following questions:
- How did you feel about your partner's feedback?
- Describe two strengths of the feedback.
- How do you feel about your proposal now? How does it compare to your proposal before you incorporated your partner's feedback?
- Partner feedback in the future: thumbs up or thumbs down? Why?
Reminder: If you do not complete your revised proposal and/or your journal entry in class, they are due at the start of class on Thursday, along with your partner's peer feedback form (which you need to revise your proposal).
Thursday's Agenda and Assignments
1. Hand in work from Tuesday
2. Review today's agenda and answer questions
3. Form committees and present your proposal ideas to the committee. Use the guiding questions for collaboration to discuss your project proposals.
Guiding Questions for Collaboration
4. Working either with a partner (teams of more than two need Mrs. Marggraf's and Ms. Weaver's permission and approval) or independently, complete the final project proposal.
Final Group Project Proposal Form
5. Begin your project by starting the process of creating a survey to be used to collect data for your project using the assignment linked here:
6. Complete the reflection journal questions for the day, which are written here:
Evaluate the collaborative process in your committee and answer the following questions:
- How well did your group work together?
- Describe two strengths and two challenges of the collaborative process with your committee.
- Did you feel that your ideas were supported, and did you contribute any feedback or potential ideas to other committee members?
- Do you think your committee could support you in the future? Why or why not?
Welcome back for second quarter! We hope that everyone enjoyed a wonderful, fun, and relaxing break!
Today we will begin with a journal entry. Read the following quote by E.B. White and respond to the reflection questions below it.
"I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving he can outwit nature and more time experiencing nature's sweetness and respecting nature's seniority."
- What does this quote mean to you?
- Do you agree with this quote - why or why not?
- Can you think of some examples that fit this quote?
After our journaling, everyone will rotate through three different stations. Here are the assignments for each of the stations:
Station #1: Increased Protection for 'Ahihi-Kina'u Natural Area Reserve
Increased Protection for 'Ahihi-Kina'u
Station #2: Educating ourselves about NARs and 'Ahihi-Kina'u
Natural Area Reserves and 'Ahihi-Kina'u
Station #3: Project Planning
ANY WORK THAT IS NOT COMPLETED BY THE END OF CLASS TODAY WILL BE DUE AT THE BEGINNING OF OUR NEXT CLASS: TUESDAY 10/20. (There is no school for students this Thursday.)
We will be out in the field both days this week! Come prepared with appropriate outdoor clothing, sunblock, water, sunglasses, hats, etc!
On Tuesday we will head back to Keawakapu to finish our stations from last Thursday's class.
On Thursday we will be learning about interdependence and the ahupua'a. We will go out to the Waipuilani tide pools to conduct a rapid ecological assessment of the area and catalogue our findings.
Thursday's Journal prompt:
Which of the following questions most interest you to explore next quarter? Why does this question interest you?
- How can we best address the environmental and cultural threats facing our South Maui community?
- How can we best educate others about the environmental and cultural significance of Maui?
- What impact does closure and restrictions have on the Ahihi-Kinau NAR?
- How can we best protect the resources and ecosystems of the Ahihi-Kinau NAR?
Reminder: we will be collecting your journals for grading this weekend!
Image is taken from: http://www.flemingarboretum.org/images/ahuapuaa.gif
