Space avail for Geo-Spatial and Geographic inquiry modules

Hi All as it happens there are a few spaces available for the May 28^th and May 29^th Geo- spatial technology and Geographic Inquiry learning modules:

Location Cedarbrae C.I.

See below

Using Geotechnologies (Geo-visual and Geo-analytical) with the New Notebooks Gr7-12 / T&L-SWSH –

Grade 7-12 Geography teachers are invited to a 2 session module to train, and support curriculum, using geotechnologies

to enhance the geographic Inquiry process. This two day workshop will be focused on and using the new TDSB notebooks.

Particular attention will be placed on teaching /learning strategies, the thinking concepts in the new geography curriculum,

the role of problem based learning to create authentic learning opportunities plus, assessment (as, for, and of learning).

(there is an expectation that teachers commit to the entire cycle of sessions)

The Two sessions will include:

• Training in a range of geo-visual and geo -analytical tools including ArcGIS, ArcGIS online, and Google Earth

• Explore various planning and Teaching learning strategies to support effective geographic Inquiry as spelled out in the new

curriculum

• Deconstruct effective lessons and begin to co-plan specific lessons with a focus on problem based learning and authentic

tasks

• Use field studies including GPS, photo capture and Geographic inquiry methods

Teaching and Learning will pay for two days of release. Space is limited to 20 participants. Please register on Key to Learn.

After registration you will be emailed with your release code and further details.

 

http://zweblms/keytoLearnStaff/Register/index.asp?courseid=515004

You must go to this link and register for the days . the supply code for the day is #37.  . Check for signs when you arrive at the school.

Mark Lowry

Geography and Geotechnologies Instructional Leader

Social World Studies and Humanities

Toronto District School Board

1 Civic Centre Court

Toronto , On ,M9C 2B3

Tel; (416) 394-7269

Cell; (416) 576-4515

Fax; (416) 394-6420

http://tdsbweb/_site/ViewItem.asp?siteid=63&menuid=63&pageid=63

http://geographysites.blogspot.ca/

twitter @geogmark

 

 

 

TGTA Rouge Vallley June 12 event

You are invited to the annual Toronto Geography Teachers Association Social

@ The Rouge Valley

www.rougepark.com

Pearse House/Rouge Valley Conservation Centre

1749 Meadowvale Road at Zoo Road

map on next page

Wed. June 12^th, 2013

@ 4:30pm

$5 for tour (pay at event)

RSVP to Dimitra Tsanos by June 6^th

dimitra.tsanos@tdsb.on.ca

 

Schedule

4pm – meet at Pearce house with hike leader

4:10-6pm  - guided hike and interpretation

Dress for the outdoors! (sunscreen , hat  & hiking shoes)

Meeting Point for Vista and Orchard Trails: 
Roadside parking area near Pearse House/Rouge Valley Conservation Centre, 1749 Meadowvale Road at Zoo Road - follow signs for Rouge Valley Conservation Centre

Driving north on Meadowvale: head north past Sheppard, and take the ramp leading to Toronto Zoo. As the ramp approaches traffic lights, the road divides. Take the right divide, and drive into the open parking area. 
Driving south on Meadowvale: follow signs for Toronto Zoo main parking, taking a ramp leading to an overpass. Turn left to take the overpass, past the traffic lights and into the open parking area. 

Parking is free. Porta Pottie is at the Orchard/Cedar trailhead, a 16 minute return walk from the meeting point. All walks will pass this porta pottie on the way out or on the way back. 

PLEASE: use the roadway parking, and not the small lot set aside for the Rouge Valley Conservation Centre staff and volunteers. 

TTC: Bus 85 (from Don Mills Subway or Rouge Hill GO Station) or 86 (from Kennedy Subway) via Toronto Zoo. Please check TTC seasonal schedules for these routes to help plan your journey, as branches and days of service change. Once you are heading up Meadowvale on your bus, get off at the stop up the ramp off Meadowvale before the traffic lights (i.e. before the bus turns to go to the Zoo itself). Walk east about 1 minute to see the Rouge Valley Conservation Centre/Pearse House.

Pearce House:

Please see attachments

Mark Lowry

Geography and Geotechnologies Instructional Leader

Social World Studies and Humanities

Toronto District School Board

1 Civic Centre Court

Toronto , On ,M9C 2B3

Tel; (416) 394-7269

Cell; (416) 576-4515

Fax; (416) 394-6420

http://tdsbweb/_site/ViewItem.asp?siteid=63&menuid=63&pageid=63

http://geographysites.blogspot.ca/

twitter @geogmark

 

 

 

FW: OSEE Conference

 

It is always a good conference. Some years it has conflicted with our spring conference but not this year.  Mark

 

 

 

From: Murray, Ellen
Sent: Wednesday, April 17, 2013 2:02 PM
To: Lowry, Mark
Subject: OSEE Conference

 

Hi Mark,

I was wondering if you could please help promote the Ontario Society for Environmental Education (OSEE) conference that is happening May 3/4.  This will be at Trent University and the next door Karwartha Outdoor Education Center.  We would really like more people to hear about the conference and would appreciate your help.

 

This conference has great workshops, and the Saturday focus is on outdoor activities.  Dave Ireland, from the ROM, will be talking about protecting biodiversity and Kim Wheatley about First Nations issues. Lots more information can be found at www.osee.ca.  If you could please forward this flyer and an postive message to all geography teachers that would be much appreciated.

 

Sincerely,

Ellen Murray

OSEE Treasurer and Conference Organizer

 

 

Spring Toronto Geography Teachers hike and field event

Sent on Behalf of Dimitra Tsanos ( TGTA President) and the TGTA exec:

As we have done in previous years the TGTA is hosting a Spring event. This year there seems to be a great deal of interest in exploring the learning possibilities of the Rouge Valley National Urban park. http://www.rougepark.com/

Some teachers in TDSB have taken students to the park and found it to be a rewarding experience. The parks staff is willing to demonstrate the various hikes, activities and facilities that they have to support field activities. However as with any excursion of this type trying to come up with a date is always the hardest part of the exercise.

To this end I have created a doodle for you to respond to . this will allow us to come up with a consensus date (hopefully) .

So please follow he link below and identify the dates that will work for you .

You have initiated a poll "Toronto Geography Teachers  spring field event" at Doodle. The link to your poll is:

 

http://www.doodle.com/s6sp9tihm8ie647f

 

Share this link with all those who should cast their votes. Do not forget to cast your vote, too.

Thanks Mark

Mark Lowry

Geography and Geotechnologies Instructional Leader

Social World Studies and Humanities

Toronto District School Board

1 Civic Centre Court

Toronto , On ,M9C 2B3

Tel; (416) 394-7269

Cell; (416) 576-4515

Fax; (416) 394-6420

http://tdsbweb/_site/ViewItem.asp?siteid=63&menuid=63&pageid=63

http://geographysites.blogspot.ca/

twitter @geogmark

 

 

 

don't panic 2nd Geo-spatial Technologies learning module

I couldn’t help myself however here are a few great resources that I think some of you may enjoy and use!!

Why do Map Projections Matter?

This is a clip from the TV show West Wing (Season 2-Episode 16) where cartography plays a key role in the plot.  In this episode the fictitious (but still on Facebook) group named “the Organization of Cartographers for Social Justice” is campaigning to have the President officially endorse the Gall-Peters Projection in schools and denounce theMercator projection.  The argument being that children will grow up thinking some places are not as important because they are minimized by the map projection.

When students ask why do we care about various map projections play this. It is extremely well done ,( in my opinion)

http://rigea.org/2013/04/09/why-do-map-projections-matter/

NASA OR MOMA? PLAY THE GAME!

Tuesday April 9, 2013

Here are some pictures. Were they taken in space, or painted here on Earth?

One of the most enduring and inspiring side effects of space exploration is the pictures -- pictures of Earth taken from new heights; pictures of Earth's neighbors, taken from new angles; pictures that resemble, and in fact are, art. They are magical. They are mysterious. They are weird. They suggest, if they don't fully embody, why we go to the trouble of exploring in the first place.

And they often resemble art of a more earthly variety. Below is a collection of images -- some of them created by prolific space photographer Chris Hadfield, taken from the International Space Station (we'll call those "NASA"), some of them created by nearly-as-prolific painters here on Earth (we'll call those "MOMA"). Here's a game: Can you tell the difference between the two?

I certainly had fun with it

http://bit.uz/Qta

A THEORY ABOUT OUTDOOR EDUCATION FROM THE SIMPSONS  who knew !!

Here’s The Simpsons and what they have to say about outdoor education in these 4 clips chopped up. Terrific conversation starters on so many fronts as only Bart and the boys could do.

http://bit.uz/oww

Lost Cat: A True Story of Love, Desperation, and GPS Technology

This is the review of a book but it gives enough info to make it of interest especially as we discuss GIS applications. Hard to believe the lengths that pet owners will go to . Read some of the comments also.

http://gizmodo.com/5994098/lost-cat-a-true-story-of-love-desperation-and-gps-technology

Global wealth inequality: What you never knew you never knew!!

If you though the video on America’s wealth was revealing well this 4 minute video takes it to the global level!! Great for World Issues , human and environment and resource management .

http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/indiaatlse/2013/04/11/global-wealth-inequality-what-you-never-knew-you-never-knew/

Plate Tectonics Introduction

Interest method of presentation. Great for quick grade 7 or 9 introduction. Or for that matter our grade 12’s who have decided to disregard any physical geography.  

http://www.edcanvas.com/lessons/xi9YA3fSFAJ7Rg/plate-tectonics-introduction

Where are Quebec's Anglos? Map of population distribution from 2011 Census

Explore the map to find out where Anglophones live across the province. The map is based on Statistics Canada census data from 2011. It indicates the number of people in Quebec's census districts who self-indentify as Anglophone: meaning they selected English as their mother tongue; they selected English and French as their mother tongue; they selected English and a non-official language as their mother tongue; and a percentage of those who say English is the language most often used at home. Census districts where there is no data available are also indicated on the map. Curious about how Statistics Canada calculates the number of Anglos in Quebec?.

http://www.cbc.ca/montreal/features/livingenglish/anglophone-census-map/

Also as I have mentioned a couple of times Malcolm MacInerneys blog from Australia has fabulous stuff in it !

This weeks is entitled “Beyond colouring in! Creative Geography teaching” and a number of interesting links .

http://spatialworlds.blogspot.ca/2013/04/beyond-colouring-in-creative-geography.html

Finally I would like to thank Paul Van Zant from the  Peel board for passing on Peter Mansbridge’s take on teachers. Boy there are days when we all need to re-read it .

worth sharing...

http://www.cbc.ca/news/petermansbridge/2013/03/those-who-can-teach.html

Cheers Mark

Mark Lowry

Geography and Geotechnologies Instructional Leader

Social World Studies and Humanities

Toronto District School Board

1 Civic Centre Court

Toronto , On ,M9C 2B3

Tel; (416) 394-7269

Cell; (416) 576-4515

Fax; (416) 394-6420

http://tdsbweb/_site/ViewItem.asp?siteid=63&menuid=63&pageid=63

http://geographysites.blogspot.ca/

twitter @geogmark

Geo-spatial training and other events

Using Geotechnologies (Geo-visual and Geo-analytical) with the New Notebooks Gr7-12 / T&L-SWSH –For TDSB teachers

Grade 7-12 Geography teachers are invited to a 2 session module to train, and support curriculum, using geotechnologies to enhance the geographic Inquiry process. This two day workshop will be focused on and using the new TDSB notebooks. Particular attention will be placed on teaching /learning strategies, the thinking concepts in the new geography curriculum, the role of problem based learning to create authentic learning opportunities plus, assessment (as, for, and of learning).

Session 1 & 2 May 7 and 9 - location East York Collegiate, rm. tba
(there is an expectation that teachers commit to the entire cycle of sessions)

The Two sessions will include:
• Training in a range of geo-visual and geo -analytical tools including ArcGIS, ArcGIS online,  and Google Earth
• Explore various planning and Teaching learning strategies to support effective geographic Inquiry as spelled out in the new curriculum
• Deconstruct effective lessons and begin to co-plan specific lessons with a focus on problem based learning and authentic tasks 
• Use field studies including GPS, photo capture  and Geographic inquiry methods

Teaching and Learning will pay for two days of release. Space is limited to 20 participants. Please register on Key to Learn. After registration you will be emailed with your release code and further details.

To register click HERE http://zweblms/keytoLearnStaff/Register/index.asp?courseid=514957

Reminder of Pax warrior simulation

Pax Warrior is a Hybrid New Media product for the educational and training markets that extends the nascent "Interactive Documentary" form to incorporate decision based simulation and collaborative learning tools. It is at the lead of the new genre of "Serious Games".

We know that's a mouthful - so if you like you can just call Pax an engaging way to learn about history, civics, citizenship, social studies and current events! Others have so you'll be in good company!

Pax Warrior - The Experience : our introductory module - weaves the tragic story of the UN experience in Rwanda placing the user, first person, in the shoes of a UN Commander trying to maintain peace.

What are the terrible choices to be made? What would you have done in his shoes? What will you do to make sure this never happens again?

Log In here:

http://paxwarrior.com/core/schools/tdsb

This shortcut should also work:

http://paxwarrior.com/tdsb/

USER TDSB_all

Pass: pax2012

Model UN at Albert Campbell

On behalf of the Secretariat of the Albert Campbell C.I. Model United Nations Conference (ACCIMUN), it is our pleasure to invite your school to participate in our Model UN held at Albert Campbell CI on Wednesday, May 15, 2013. Please refer to website. http://accimun.webs.com/

Mark Lowry

Geography and Geotechnologies Instructional Leader

Social World Studies and Humanities

Toronto District School Board

1 Civic Centre Court

Toronto , On ,M9C 2B3

Tel; (416) 394-7269

Cell; (416) 576-4515

Fax; (416) 394-6420

http://tdsbweb/_site/ViewItem.asp?siteid=63&menuid=63&pageid=63

http://geographysites.blogspot.ca/

twitter @geogmark

OAGEE Summer intitute for Geo -Spatial Technologies

Mark Lowry

Geography and Geotechnologies Instructional Leader

Social World Studies and Humanities

Toronto District School Board

1 Civic Centre Court

Toronto , On ,M9C 2B3

Tel; (416) 394-7269

Cell; (416) 576-4515

Fax; (416) 394-6420

http://tdsbweb/_site/ViewItem.asp?siteid=63&menuid=63&pageid=63

http://geographysites.blogspot.ca/

twitter @geogmark