Aspirations Summit: Pilot to CREST
The Aspirations Summit, funded by the Jessie B. Cox Charitable Trust, held in August of 2005 served as a pilot for the emerging CREST project.
Staff and Students Find Themselves on the Map of GIS
As the gorgeous weather peaked in mid-August this summer, students and teachers from 6 coastal and island high schools busily hiked through woods, set off on research boats, and researched local history…all in an effort to learn the nuts and bolts of GIS (Geographic Information Systems). The Teams of two teachers and two students gathered at the Darling Marine Center to learn and explore together. Participating high schools included 1) Islesboro Central School, 2) North Haven Community School, 3) Vinalhaven School, 4) Georges Valley High School, 5) Searsport High School, and 6) Washington Academy.
Thanks to support from the Jessie B. Cox Foundation, the Island Institute organized the Aspirations Summit, which provided training in GIS technology, place-based education, and tools on how to bring both together in the classroom.
Lost?…Not Anymore!
The first task was to learn how to use handheld GPS units. Each school team was sent on a scavenger hunt through the extensive trail systems at the Darling Marine Center. After hiking at least 2 miles, many u-turns, moments of aggravation, and fits of screaming…each team found a Garmin Etrex Legend Handhelp GPS unit to take back home for the entire school to use.
Minds Enriched and Skills Reiterated
Each school team came to the Aspirations Summit with varying experience with GIS. Some schools had absolutely no exposure to this exciting new technology that could be used in any discipline from Science to History. Other schools that attended, such as Islesboro, have elective courses rooted in GIS and have completed successful GIS technology projects. For example, Islesboro students, with the guidance of technology teacher Vicki Conover, have completed the towns 9-1-1 maps so that emergency vehicles can reach homes much faster and with greater ease. This wonderful mix of first-timers and experienced individuals created a fully inter-generational learning environment. Students helped other students, teachers helped teachers, and students taught their teachers in many instances.
Found! GIS Technology to Assist with Place-Based Learning
The Aspirations Summit’s goal was not only to introduce participants to GIS technology, but also to provide training in Place-Based Education - in other words, how to use your local surroundings (the environment, your town, local organizations) as a resource to make great educational experiences. Julie Bartsch, Northeast Steward for the Rural School and Community Trust, facilitated the teacher training in Place-Based Education. In addition, many of the schools participating in the Aspirations Summit presented on what types of Place-Based Education are already happening at their schools. Everyone attending the Aspirations Summit learned about the incredible ongoing projects in our small rural schools along the coast of Maine, how to enhance them with GIS technology, and how to begin new projects in their schools and communities.
