A water quality/catchment study using Arc Explorer Java Edition for Education
Remember that the data is subject to a Licence Agreement and cannot be used for any purpose outside this project.
Note: While this software is free and easy to use it does not display MrSID aerial photograph images.
Target Audience: Stage 5 Geography or Science students
Estimated time: 4 x 40minute periods (includes library research)
Syllabus focus: Issues in the Australian Environment
Objectives:
Students investigate how water quality is affected by activities at a catchment level by building a GIS.
GIS Skills and Tools:
Using AEJEE
Using basic GIS tools - identify, zoom, changing theme properties,adding data
Working with shape files
Labelling features
Using hotlinks
Materials
AEJEE worksheet, Local Research Action Plan template, data available on school server
Lesson overview
Students are introduced to the context for the investigation first and the idea of building up a GIS is outlined. The students should aim to produce a map but will need to focus on the questions along the way.
Student activity:
Students should work in pairs on this activity.
Conclusion:
Students can focus on including the GIS data in their local research plan and investigate other sources of data.
Extension:
Collect water quality data and add to the data set for a local catchment.
Invite a guest speaker from Council or government agency to discuss collection and mapping of water quality data.