Mary Snow fourth graders enjoyed a presentation about Geographic Information Systems from Mrs. Stacy Doore, a computer scientist from the Center for Research and Evaluation from the University of Maine. The students learned about map making, satellites, and GIS systems.

Through a 2-D and 3-D activity, the students realized how difficult it is to wrap a flat map evenly around a grapefruit. Next they tried to draw the map on the grapefruit and peel it off to make a flat map.

The students were inspired to look for satellites in the night sky after Mrs. Doore’s presentation on satellites and ways that computer help us retrieve information. Mrs. Doore also described the current research being done to develop a GIS that would allow visually impaired people to maneuver through large indoor spaces.

“We’re grateful to Mrs. Doore and the University of Maine for this opportunity to expose our students to current research in technology,” said Michael Missbrenner, Principal at Mary Snow School. “It’s exciting to see our students connect classroom learning with the real world and possibly even be inspired toward a future career.”