TORCH Institute
GIS & Environmental Science
for Teachers grades 4-14 July 3-July14, 2000
The Woodrow Wilson Leadership Program for Teachers
Environmental Science Outreach, funded by the National Science Foundation
University of the Pacific, Stockton, California
Description: This 12 day institute will focus on the use of geographic information systems (GIS) in teaching environmental science. Twenty hours of training will be devoted specifically to learn ArcView GIS software. ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute) will provide a complete software package for each participant gratis for PC or Macintosh. Sixty hours will be devoted to formal instruction and practical application of GIS and environmental science. The environmental themes emphasize earth systems science and will include topics of plate tectonics, hydrology and the application of geographic information systems in general. Other instructional topics will include project based learning and internet publishing. Field trips will allow participants study the geology and hydrology of central California.
ArcView is a computer program for GIS which allows users to create relational maps to represent data from a variety of sources. Each type of data forms a layer of geo-referenced polygons that can be superimposed to create a map. Multiple layers can reveal relationships between various environmental themes. This powerful tool helps students to see and discover these relationships and can become the basis of project based learning on issues that affect student lives. For this institute, ArcView will become the primary tool to teach environmental science.
Participants will develop environmental GIS projects suitable for use in the classroom. These projects are to be published on the World Wide Web. In addition to the 80 hours of formal instruction, participants will be expected to spend an additional 20 hours in utilizing the Internet for environmental science education purposes.
Location: Stockton campus of the University of the Pacific (one hour from the SF Bay Area, one hour from Sacramento)
Fees: $60 for text and CD tutorial, Getting to Know ArcView GIS.
(includes $5 for course materials)
$100 deposit to hold place (refunded at the close of the institute).
Deposits will be forfeited for no-shows & cancellations after June 1, 2000
Continuing Education Units (1-4) are optional at $60/semester unit.
Housing: On campus housing available upon request.
Cost: $21.50/day single, $16.50/day double
Food: Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all participants at no cost. For those staying on campus, the dinner meal is your responsibility. Several dinner options are available including on-campus food service ($7.95).
Travel: all travel expenses are the responsibility of the participant. Airports serving Stockton are San Francisco, Oakland, and Sacramento. The commute from downtown Sacramento Stockton via I-5 is 45 minutes. From Oakland via I- 580/205, Stockton is one hour.
Eligibility: all teachers with responsibility for environmental science education from grades 4-14 (this may include teachers of geography). Participants should be computer literate and have Internet access. Where you live is not relevant.
Enrollment Limit: 32
Deadline: All applications must be received by May 1, 2000.
Late applications will be accepted if space is available.
Funding: National Science Foundation grant (Woodrow Wilson Leadership Program for Teachers, 1997 Environmental Science Outreach);
The University of the Pacific.
Contributors: Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.
To Apply:
Complete the attached application form. Send the form and checks for $100 payable to WWNFF (Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation) and $55 payable to VAST (for textbook) to
Dick Filson, Institute Director
3710 Wood Duck Circle
Stockton, CA, 95207
Applications must be received by May 1, 2000. All applicants will be notified by May 10 or sooner. All fees will be returned to applicants that cancel by June 1, 2000. The $100 deposit will be returned to participants who complete the training.
If you have additional questions, you can reach the Institute Director, Dick Filson at 209/477-4234 (H) evenings or write e-mail, dfilson@inreach.com
Application
TORCH INSTITUTE
GIS & Environmental Science
The Woodrow Wilson Leadership Program For Teachers
Stockton, California
July 3-July14, 2000
______________________________________________________________________________
Mr. Mrs. Ms First Name Middle initial Last Name
Home Address:
______________________________________________________________________________ number street city state zip
Telecomunications:
______________________________________________________________________________
home work fax e-mail address
Work Information:
School/Institution: ____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________ number street city state zip
Current teaching assignment: __________________________________________________
Do you currently have Internet access? Home or School (state which)__________________
If you do not have Internet access now, when do you anticipate it? ____________________
Will you need campus housing information? _______________
Are you interested in Continuing Education Units? ______________
Explain how you see this institute helping you in your job?