The BNGIS Centre executed innovative ways to celebrate GIS Day 2006 reaching out to its strategic partners to assist in providing GIS presentations at various schools in New Providence, Bahamas. Teachers and students from Sadie Curtis Primary School, Government High School, Queens College, S.C. McPherson Junior High School and several others had the opportunity to learn about GIS, The BNGIS Centre and how GIS and Geography matters.
VIEWS FROM A STUDENT on GIS Day 2006!
The exciting and innovative Geographic Information Systems was introduced to our campus on G.I.S. Day, the 15th of November. This date is recognized as G.I.S. day all over the world.
Two representatives visited our school to provide information on the program. They were Mr. Duane Miller and Mr. Braynen. A sample of our school population, about 150 students, gathered in the auditorium during fifth period. They were in for a treat as the G.I.S. program was explained to the students present. Mr. Miller spoke on the system and its abilities. Then Mr. Braynen went on to explain the many benefits of learning how to use G.I.S. The presenters explained that The Bahamas Environmental, Science and Technology Commission (BEST) would benefit greatly by using G.I.S. to help create sustainable growth for the Bahamas through planning, resource management and quick responses in the event of occurrences such as natural disasters.
At the end of the presentation, prizes were awarded to several students who answered trivia questions correctly. The types of prizes given included pins, water bottles, whistles and a camera. Many students got really excited at the opportunity to win a camera. The presentation on G.I.S. was educational, interesting and informative. It was exciting to know that this system would eventually be integrated primarily into our Social Studies classes in the near future.
by Matthew Walker –grade 8