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Smartphones are ubiquitous in high schools across the US, but students rarely learn about the complex world of elements and materials beneath their shiny exteriors. Educators can bridge the gap between the abstract concept of smartphone elements and the real-world geography of their origin and impact by integrating ArcGIS geospatial software into their curriculum. A team of researchers has been working with high school teachers to infuse geospatial concepts and technologies into their teaching. One project involved a teacher using GIS to revisit his approach to teaching the periodic table: he would have his students investigate the global origins of smartphone components. This approach equipped students with essential knowledge about the materials that power their daily lives and nurtured critical thinking skills and an awareness of the environmental and ethical dimensions of technology consumption. This paper includes a description of the project and how geospatial technology was utilized, as well as a discussion on the implications and future research in this area.
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Cultivating geo-sustainable mindset in high school chemistry students using geographic information systems.
While smartphones are familiar in high schools, their intricate material composition and far-reaching geographical footprint remain largely unexplored. This research explores how educators can leverage ArcGIS, a geospatial software tool, to bridge the gap between theoretical understanding and real-world consequences. The paper details a collaborative project between researchers and teachers to integrate location-based learning into the curriculum. One such project involved a teacher using geographic information systems to guide students in exploring the global impact of smartphones. This approach fostered critical thinking and environmental awareness, equipping students with vital knowledge about the materials behind everyday technology. By harnessing the power of geospatial tools, educators can cultivate a generation of "geo-sustainable" thinkers prepared to navigate the complex life cycle of digital devices – from extraction to disposal – in an environmentally responsible manner. This paper delves into the project methodology, the application of geospatial technology, and the broader implications for future research in this domain.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1949393
- PAR ID:
- 10637878
- Editor(s):
- Cherner, T; Blankenship, R
- Publisher / Repository:
- Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Research Highlights in Technology and Teacher Education
- Volume:
- 1
- Issue:
- 1
- ISSN:
- 978-1-939797-78-0
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 25-37
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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