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Projects
STAR (Science
Teachers Assistant Researchers)
This is an SFI funded programme which provides school teachers with a
unique opportunity to get involved in world class research under the
supervision of an SFI Research Professor with the hope that the
experience and knowledge gained will greatly assist in the classroom,
and in nurturing interest in science among students and teachers.
The NCG is actively involved in this programme and
has successfully hosted a number of science and geography teachers. The
current call for 2006 STARs is open, and the NCG has proposed a choice
of 5 projects covering a broad range of research interests. Geographic
information lends itself to innovative visualization methods - the idea
that a map can say a thousand words still holds true!
Please check the
NCG website
and the SFI website for details on this
project. The closing date is fast approaching - 23rd March 2006 so if
you are interested in finding out more/applying please contact us.
SEGIS (Students Explore GIS)
This is pilot project between NCG, ESRI-Ireland (GIS software vendor)
and Pat Brennan at Scoil Dara Kilcock (geography teacher at local
secondary school) to create curriculum material for teaching GIS at
Transition Year level.
The material uses Irish spatial data and curriculum
topics to teach both the concepts/theory of GIS and the practice and is
structured into lessons groups and projects. GIS has been used within
the classroom in many countries, and in general it found to be useful in
promoting enquiry-based learning, independent thinking, investigative
skills, spatial awareness, and improved ICT skills among students.
The pilot project has been well received and found
to be of interest to many of the students (90% rated it positively). It
is hoped to expand the pilot next year (2006/7) to more schools, to
provide others with the opportunity of this innovative and exciting
learning experience. If you are interested please check the website
http://ncg.nuim.ie/gisschools/ and contact us.
Bringing Science to Schools
This is an education outreach project whereby SFI funded researchers
visit Primary and Secondary schools giving talks on their research area.
The NCG offer schools the opportunity to either host or attend an
introductory talk on GIS and/or participate in GIS activities similar to
those organized for GIS day by the NCG
http://ncg.nuim.ie/ncg/events/20051109
(i) GIS demos: Students have the opportunity to "play" with some
real-world GIS applications.
(ii) GPS treasure hunt: Groups of students can race against the clock to
complete the treasure hunt course, armed with a handheld GPS receiver.
If you are interested in participating or finding out more please check
the SFI website and contact us.
Other research is ongoing at the centre and some information is
available from the website
http://ncg.nuim.ie
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