INSTRUCTOR(S):  Kathleen Doherty, Cherokee Heights Middle School, Madison
GRADE LEVEL:  4-8

Students are increasingly exposed to visual representations of information.  While much effort is spent to improve students reading abilities, it's also increasingly important to develop their skills at understanding information presented graphically.  This session examines how geographic and mathematical skills can be integrated to help students analyze the visual patterns inherent in the "real world."  Both geographic (i.e. GIS, Google Earth, etc.) and mathematical (spreadsheet) tools will be used to process, display and describe patterns in data.  We will be using GIS software that is free for schools as well as some Internet GIS and digital mapping sites.  Spreadsheets used will be mostly MS Excel but could be transferred to other programs (i.e. Appleworks). Strategies for helping students think and write critically about mathematics and geography will also be included as well as other aspects of improving student's visual literacy.

Teachers will learn:

	How to create interactive thematic maps based on social science and environmental science data;
	How to develop contexts that promote geographic and mathematical reasoning;
	How to download authentic data from the Internet and conduct statistical analysis using spreadsheets;
	How to download authentic data from the Internet and perform spatial analysis using a geographic information system (GIS);
	How to use other online tools promoting visual literacy (i.e. Google Earth); and
	How to improve student's visual literacy skills through in-class activities and assessments.