by Nancy Trautmann
Natural Resources

Gerry Benedict/Midlakes High School

Teachers investigated stormwater runoff issues in Varick, NY, as part of the 2006 GIT Ahead summer workshop.

The new GIT Ahead Project aims to help high school students see geospatial technologies as pathways to relevant, exciting, and high-demand careers. Focusing on geospatial information technologies (GIT), the project will provide professional development for teachers, educational software development, and career awareness and preparation experiences for high school students throughout the Finger Lakes region.

Kari Richards/Plant Pathology

Fifteen teachers began learning GIS skills during the first GIT Ahead summer workshop in June.

Launched in the spring of 2006, the project began with a two-week workshop in which high school and middle school teachers began learning how to use global positioning system and geographic information system technologies to address relevant local environmental issues. Participating teachers developed inquiry-based lessons applying these technologies to local environmental issues. Their students will have opportunities to experience technology-enhanced units in their science classes, enter the GIS Associate’s Degree program at Cayuga Community College, and participate in summer internships at the Finger Lakes Institute, the Institute for the Application of Geospatial Technology, and regional businesses in collaboration with the New York State Geographical Information Systems Association.

The project was awarded funded by the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technology Education program and is a collaborative effort between Cornell University, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, the Finger Lakes Institute, Cayuga Community College, and the Institute for the Application of Geospatial Technology. The project is co-directed by myself and Jim MaKinster (Hobart and William Smith Department of Education). For more information see http://fli.hws.edu/gitahead/.