Using ArcGIS and Other Esri Applications to Build K-12 Climate Science Curriculum

Session Description

The Pacific Island Climate Adaptation Science Center (PICASC) is at the forefront of climate research in Hawai’i and the affiliated Pacific Islands. Funded through the U.S. Geological Survey and made up of a consortium of Universities like the University of Hawai’i and University of Guam, PICASC is in the unique position to share the most current and relevant data and research to the community. Our team is working to translate the science of PICASC and USGS into K-12 curriculum using Esri tools to build interactive and engaging online materials. Our lessons are aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Climate Literacy Principles and we are working to incorporate additional Hawaiian teaching statements (HĀ).

For our first topic on drought, we are working directly with scientists to gather the most current datasets and findings to build interactive maps, graphs, and quizzes for students to explore at home or for teachers to use in the classroom. Products are built using various Esri applications such as ArcGIS to create detailed maps, StoryMaps for engaging lesson plans, Web AppBuilder for interacting with spatial data, and Dashboards for additional data visualization. Our website (coming soon!) is built using Esri Hub to house all materials and includes additional pdfs, links, and resources for students, teachers, and researchers. Join us as we walk you through our PICASC Education Hub and share our progress – we welcome your feedback!

 

Presenter(s)

Cherryle Heu
PI-CASC/USGS

Cherryle Heu is a USGS contractor developing climate education resources for PI-CASC. She is responsible for creating interactive maps and web applications using Esri products as a tool to communicate PI-CASC research to teachers and students. Cherryle earned her Bachelor's degree in Global Environmental Science at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where she was first exposed to GIS and Esri products in her classes. For her thesis, she worked with the `Ike Wai Education and Outreach team to research various education practices and how they can be implemented in STEM classes. Cherryle plans to pursue a Master's degree in UH's Natural Resources and Environmental Management Department this fall.


Emily Sesno

Emily Sesno is a U.S. Geological Survey contractor developing K-12 climate science educational resources. She also partners with the USGS Youth and Education in Science (YES) office to collaborate on broader education efforts within USGS. Emily has a BSc in Marine Science from Eckerd College and a MSc in Marine Biology from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where she conducted climate change research at the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology. During her graduate studies, she also worked with Hawaiʻi Sea Grant to develop an online elementary (grades 3-5) earth and ocean science curriculum that is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Emily has been involved with the ocean and education for all of her career, living and working internationally as a SCUBA and sailing instructor and marine science educator.

tcc2022

Posted in Uncategorized.