Goals of this GIS lesson

o In what ways can GIS software be utilized to record and organize water quality data at different sites along a local stream?
o How do water nutrient levels compare at different sites along Gulf Stream in Somers, Connecticut?
o How do water nutrient levels in Gulf Stream compare to values at sites downstream? (In the Scantic River)

I thought your students would really enjoy completing this lesson using the GIS devices. I believe the one drawback most everyone is going to feel in using the GIS with the AEJEE? PROGRAM Is the lack of ability to easily transfer the data into the program on locked down school systems hard drives. Whomever is designing the program needs to know that a program as neat as this one is, needs to be reprogrammed to accept the data from an unlocked portion of the hard drive (ie the students document folder on a remote drive. As long as the program requires data be located at the program source of the program many Science classes won't be seeing the light of day for this program.) ANYWAY - I liked your ideas and use of the GIS units and data. ALSO, I thought the inclusion of the careers handout was a plus. When I talk to the students I always include discussion of who uses the programs and for what reasons but I usually don't give them a handout. I think I will change that from now on and go back over the job prospects with a teacher made handout.
I believe that may re-emphasis the importance and connections between the real word and classroom work.

Thanks for sharing your ideas with us.