Please complete the student information survey on your worksheet

 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 class  At the completion of the class, students will earn 1 semester’s worth of college credit

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 followed  No food or drink  No running or horseplay  DO 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

 There are three types of students placed into this class  Students who selected this elective  Students who did not select an elective last year and were randomly placed in this class  Transfer 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 credit  Develop data analysis skills that will be used on the ACT  Most jobs will require learning new technology

 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.

 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

 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)

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

Can 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

 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.

Students 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

 Go to the class website and complete the week one activities.