GIS, marking sensor data in a map

Water Research and GIS Data Visualization

Lesson plan #1

ABOUT THE LESSON

Topic

Using QGIS for Water Data Visualization and Analysis

Duration

2 academic hours (90 minutes)

Goal(s) of the lesson

To introduce students to GIS (Geographic Information System) software, specifically QGIS, and demonstrate its applications in mapping and analyzing water quality data collected by the research boat.

The big idea behind the topic

Students will learn to use QGIS to visualize and analyze water data, including temperature, oxygen, pH, and water clarity.

This lesson connects directly with the boat project, allowing students to apply their collected data to a real-world tool for visual analysis.

By integrating GIS with environmental science, students will see the impact of water quality on local ecosystems and understand geographic data's role in environmental research.

The lesson is essential in order to provide public relations materials as well as for students to quickly understand what they are doing within the project.

Results of the lesson

Students will:

• Develop skills in using QGIS for mapping and visualization.
• Understand how to analyze water quality indicators visually.
• Create a project that involves identifying, mapping, and reporting on a local water body.

Competencies:

• Knowledge: Understanding GIS basics, water quality indicators, and environmental data interpretation.
• Skills: Using QGIS software, handling geospatial data, creating visual maps, critical analysis of environmental data.
• Attitudes: Curiosity in environmental research, awareness of water quality's impact, resilience in problem-solving technical challenges.

Competencies

Knowledge: Understanding GIS basics, water quality indicators, and environmental data interpretation.

Skills: Using QGIS software, handling geospatial data, creating visual maps, critical analysis of environmental data.

Attitudes: Curiosity in environmental research, awareness of water quality's impact, resilience in problem-solving technical challenges.

Methods

Lecture-based instruction for QGIS software basics.

Hands-on activities to explore water body mapping and visualization.

Group learning to encourage collaborative data analysis.

Project-based learning, culminating in a small project and presentation.

Connection with other modules

This GIS lesson is a critical component of the Sailtunities curriculum, allowing students to synthesize and visually analyze data collected by their research boats.

• Recommended Module Sequence: This GIS module should ideally follow the Sensors Sampling Communications module, as it requires students to have collected sensor data. Completing the modules on water sampling, sensor integration, and testing the research system is essential preparation for full engagement with GIS tools in this lesson.
• Interdisciplinary Connections:

• Chemistry and Biology Module: The GIS lesson complements the Chemistry and Biology module, where students analyze the chemical and biological parameters of water.
• Physics Module: The Physics module, which covers the movement of boats and environmental factors influencing water quality, provides a foundational understanding that enriches the data visualization and spatial analysis in GIS.

• Enhanced Learning Through Fieldwork: Integrating this GIS lesson after fieldwork, practical physics experiments, and water testing will enable students to map and interpret complex environmental data, grounding theoretical learning in real-world applications.

Relevance to the curriculum

This GIS-based lesson integrates geography, environmental science, and technology, aligning with interdisciplinary, project-based learning trends in modern education. It provides practical skills in digital mapping and spatial analysis relevant to STEM subjects.

Also GIS topic has been recently included into the official IT curriculum of Lithuanian high school however there are no textbooks with tasks as of yet that would be teaching this topic.

Stakeholder involvement

Collaboration with local environmental organizations and GIS professionals is encouraged to provide real-life examples and possibly engage students in local water research projects.

EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS NEEDED

For 1 team of 5 students

For 1 team of 5 students

STEP-BY-STEP ACTIVITIES

Step 1 (15 min):

Introduction to GIS and QGIS - Overview of GIS applications in environmental science and introduction to QGIS interface.

Step 2 (25 min):

Demonstration - Walkthrough on using QGIS to load and visualize water data, including downloading water quality datasets.

Step 3 (20 min):

Hands-on Mapping - Students work in teams to create a map showing one or more water quality indicators of a local water body.

Step 4 (15 min):

Data Analysis - Students analyze their maps, discussing the visible trends and possible environmental implications.

Step 5 (15 min):

Reflection and Sharing - Teams present their maps and analysis, reflecting on the challenges and discoveries.

Assessment

Project evaluation based on map creation accuracy, data interpretation, and presentation of findings.

Informal assessment through Q&A during the hands-on session to gauge understanding of GIS concepts.

Useful links

QGIS Software: https://qgis.org

Copernicus Marine System Data Portal: https://data.marine.copernicus.eu/products

Erasmus+ KA2 Cooperation Partnerships project

Sailing Into Opportunities

No. 2023-1-LT01-KA220-SCH-000161306

sailtunities.gaminu.eu

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the National Agency. Neither the European Union nor National Agency can be held responsible for them.