Issue link: https://resources.esri.ca/i/732717
Challenge Interdisciplinary learning is an increasingly important objective for many schools, and this is especially so at Zion Heights. To create an environment for impactful, memorable learning, teachers are always looking for ways to incorporate technical skills into non- technical subjects, to relate the humanities with math and science, and to connect creative problem solving with analytical reasoning. Educators also strive to bring real-world contexts to the subject matter, making the learning process more personal and interesting for the students. They seek out projects that involve less traditional textbook learning and more interactivity and critical thinking. Computer skills are more important than ever to student success and educational advancement. These skills must be developed at earlier stages to meet the academic expectations students face upon entering high school. Junior high school students use GIS to bring thought-provoking spatial context to a variety of subjects Zion Heights Junior High School serves roughly 400 students in grades seven, eight and nine and has several unique characteristics. Specifically, its year-round schedule allows students to build upon new skills throughout the year, and all teachers have specialized training in the subjects they teach. In geography courses, students start learning the basics of geographic information systems (GIS) technology in grade seven. During their junior high school experience, they apply these skills to topics in a broad variety of subject areas. In addition to developing students' technical abilities, this cross-disciplinary approach helps them identify spatial patterns that bring meaning to real-world issues at the local, national and global levels. 1 Esri Canada | Geospatial technology enhances learning across the curriculum at Toronto's Zion Heights Junior High School Using geospatial technologies and mathematics to calculate tree heights, students map and manage a tree inventory on the school campus. Critical thinking skills are developed through projects like store location analyses, which require students to determine market needs based on demographic data. " Esri's GIS software has shown me new ways that I can explore and manage my environment through digital mapping. I truly believe that GIS is a revolutionary software." Cristian Solomon Grade 8 Student Zion Heights Junior High School