The annual Geographic Information Systems GIS Day contest had 306 Grade 7 and 8 students from across Bruce and Grey Counties participating in a challenge to solve real-life, geographic problems using GIS technology.
GIS is not only a key tool used for navigation in everyday life, but it also plays a crucial role in decision-making across business and government sectors. Held annually in November, GIS Day celebrates the power of GIS — a scientific framework for gathering, analyzing, and visualizing geographic data to help us make more-informed choices.
The GIS Day contest had 69 StoryMap team entries. Each team was mentored and judged by the organizing committee made up of GIS experts from Bruce County, Grey County, Bruce Power, and the Town of Saugeen Shores. Students learned how to use the ArcGIS Online platform to develop their contest presentations using an ArcGIS StoryMap and presented their projects to the committee.
“Bruce County is pleased to be able to provide students with this opportunity to learn and connect to their local geography through the GIS Day contest,” said Bruce County’s Warden, Luke Charbonneau. “Congratulations to all the GIS Day participants and winners!”
“Grey County is proud to support initiatives like GIS Day that inspire young minds to explore the connection between technology and geography,” said Andrea Matrosovs, Grey County Warden. “Participating in the GIS Day contest has empowered our students to harness the transformative power of GIS technology to address real-world challenges in our local communities. Their creativity and dedication are truly inspiring!”
First place, and winner of Millcreek chocolates donated by Bruce County, GIS software license, and a $50 Visa prepaid card donated by proud sponsors Esri Canada and Bruce County:
Sports Campus and Fro Yo!
by Madi J., Maddy B., and Leah F. at Holy Family School, Hanover
Second place, and winner of a 16 oz. Yeti cup from Grey County and Bruce County swag pack:
Creature Carnival + BayWave Boat Rental
by Holly H., Madin S., Addison F. at Hepworth Central School, Hepworth
Third place, and winner of a large 40 oz. mug donated by long-time supporter Bruce Power and Bruce County beach pack:
Fitness & Fun
by Isaac H., Mikey St. M. and Ryder G. at Hepworth Central School, Hepworth
“It is always a pleasure to see students develop new mapping, data management and analysis skills through the GIS Day contest,” said Justin Kraemer, GIS Coordinator at Bruce County and chair of the Bruce-Grey GIS Day Organizing Committee. “Thank you to all the teachers who helped incorporate GIS into their classrooms. Special thank you to Mr. Cory Munro, teacher at Owen Sound District Secondary School, for the support with web development and rubric crafting to ensure another successful year of the GIS StoryMap contest.”
