WELCOME TO GIS!

Please complete the student information survey on your

worksheet

WHAT IS THIS CLASS? GIS is a social studies elective that uses

modern technology to research and display information

In addition to building computer proficiency, students will be exposed to social studies disciplines such as geography, economics, sociology, cultural studies, and history

This is a dual-credit classAt the completion of the class, students will

earn 1 semester’s worth of college credit

CLASS EXPECTATIONS

Due to the possibility of college credit, it is important that the class is conducted according to expectations

All Valley Computer Lab rules must be followedNo food or drinkNo running or horseplayDO not turn off any computers unless instructed to do

so All other Valley school rules must be followed

Students are expected to be in their seat and beginning the day’s work WHEN THE BELL RINGS

Students are on task during class time and in dress code

FAILURE TO COMPLY WILL RESULT IN EJECTION FROM CLASS

WHY AM I HERE? There are three types of students placed

into this classStudents who selected this electiveStudents who did not select an elective last

year and were randomly placed in this classTransfer students and freshmen who did not

have the opportunity to choose an elective Will this class help me?

Will earn a complete elective credit (6 required for graduation)

Possibility of earning college creditDevelop data analysis skills that will be used

on the ACTMost jobs will require learning new technology

HOW DOES THIS CLASS WORK? Students will enter class, sign on to their

computer, then go to the class website at mrjentsch.wikispaces.com/gis

Click on the appropriate week and navigate to the day’s assignment Warm Up: Data of the day

Students will follow the link to do some kind of analysis of a map, chart, graph, picture, or current event.

Analysis must be completed in the first 8 minutes of class on a Microsoft Word Document organized by date

Data of the Day sheets will be checked every Friday. Make up warm ups are not necessary.

HOW DOES THIS CLASS WORK?

Following completion of the Data of the Day, students will begin the day’s assignments.

There are 4 types of class assignments: File creation: Students create files/systems/templates

that they need to complete future work GIS Process practice – Students learn and practice

skills they need to operate the GIS program Research – students use the internet to find data to

complete practice or projects Case Studies – 4-6 Case studies that will assess the

students’ ability to gather, display, and analyze certain types of data in certain ways. Completion of the final Case Study will result in the granting of College Credit through JCTC

HOW DOES THIS CLASS WORK? The final thing you will do each day is

complete a process journal entry There is no textbook for this class and all

assessments are open note. Your process journal will serve as your textbook/notes.

Name of Process – technical name GIS class theme that process pertains to Purpose of Process – What does it do in your

own words? Description of Process – How do you do it (in

your own words)

HOW DOES THIS CLASS WORK?Classwork/Homework – 40% of final grade

Warm Ups In class assignments Weekly Homework packets

Assessments – 40% of final grade Major projects Case studies Vocabulary quizzes Basic Skill Assessment Test

Participation/Reflection – 20% of final grade Participation percentage Process journals

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSCan we listen to music?

- the posted lab rules do not allow the use of electronic devices or headphones

Can I charge my phone?- Valley lab rules do not allow external devices including phones and mp3 players to school machines

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Will we always be in the computer lab?

- Occasionally we will be working in classroom 326 for:

Certain projects Days when the lab is unavailable Teacher absences

Can I work on GIS work at home?- Any work that is not on the ArcMap program can be worked on at home for those who miss days or do not finish in class and wish to stay on track.

HOMEWORKStudents will receive a sheet or packet each

Monday that will consist of vocabulary and data analysis practice. This will be due every Friday.

Students may work on homework in class if daily assignment is completed.

First Homework Assignment is to get your Syllabus signed by yourself and a parent or guardian indicating that you understand the expectations and consequences. DUE MONDAY 11/18

WHAT NOW? Go to the class website and complete

the week one activities.