Following are two activities that allow students to explore basic use of ArcView while preparing for future field work. You are looking for a map of your local watershed or the area assigned. This map should display the desired themes, perhaps creatively arranged, and clearly designate with color or display the difference between various themes . Assign academic weight as you deem appropriate or brainstorm the value and criteria of this project with students before beginning. A rubric skeleton is included for you to work from.
Field work lends itself to more general assessment.
An series of open ended journal questions along the way and an open ended written evaluation by students at the end of the project give students room to think and good practice expressing themselves. Wander among students and listen to them. You learn the most amazing things and could even keep a checklist of on-task or effort this way. Repeat the same theme project. This time, label significant features on your map with the table information or your own labels and investigate the hot buttons where you can insert pictures or other interesting data into your project.