A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer-based tool for mapping and analyzing things that exist and events that happen on earth.

This Work-based Learning Project is designed to stimulate students’ interests in science and mathematics by placing participating students in the real-life role of data collector for Bell County. Learning objectives for each student include:

The critical element in the achievement of these Learning Objectives is skilled and competent teacher training. Participating classroom teachers will be trained in the necessary Foundation Skills and will become proficient in the use of field equipment and designated software. Introductions to Systems Management and Quality Assurance Techniques will be included in Basic Geography Concepts. All participants will develop instructional modules for use within their classroom. This curriculum will be completed as per individual school system guidelines and must meet objectives outlined within Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). All developed materials will be published electronically through the BellNET web site: http://bellnetweb.brc.tamus.edu.

Each participating school/district must commit to underwriting the costs of transportation for the project. This cost must be assimilated as in-kind into the final report. Each participating school/district will receive training for participating classroom teachers including one (1) Certified Instructor and access to locally developed field-based curriculum. Each classroom will retain digital cameras, global positioning systems, and mapping software for continued usage.

This project will impact on ten (10) school districts within the BellNET Consortium. Within those school districts, the project will directly involve thirty (30) classrooms and approximately 900 students. In addition to Bell County as a governmental partner, staff at Central Texas Work Force Development, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station at Blackland Research Center , ESRI, and Magellan. are involved as collaborative partners. Texas A&M University graduate students will additionally support the project through electronic mentoring for teachers and students.

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