IndianaMap Poster Competition


K-12 Students


This contest is a great way to introduce kids and young adults to geography, maps, and geographic information systems (GIS).

Posters of maps of all kinds can enter, but the maps must be made by the students (either made by hand or computer generated). Prizes will be awarded to the top map posters that demonstrate the map's elements (e.g. title, map scale, north arrow, legend), artistic creativity, critical thinking, and neatness.

Posters should answer a grade-appropriate question using maps. For example:
  • What kinds of trees are in my backyard?
  • here would my family go in an emergency (fire stations, schools, hospitals)?
  • Where are my ancestors/relatives from?
  • Which countries have the most people under age 21?
All current Indiana K-12 students are eligible to compete.

The dimensions of the poster should be no larger than 4 x 5 feet. It should contain a title, student's name, grade, and school. It should also include an explanation of the question, how it was answered, and a conclusion (this is particularly appropriate for older students).


Submitting Your Poster


To enter, send your poster to the address below by February 4, 2008:
    Janet Tomlin
    Indiana Geographic Information Council
    140 N. Senate Ave
    Indianapolis, IN 46204
    317.234.2924

    (If you need help getting your posters to IGIC, please contact Janet for assistance)
Be sure to include a letter with your 1.) Poster Title, 2.) Name, 3.) School Name and Address, 4.) Grade, 5.) Phone Number, and 6.) Email.


Prizes!!


The top three entries will receive a Target gift card. GIS prize packages with books and software will also be awarded to the prize winners' schools. Pictures of the winning posters will be posted to the IGIC website, and included in the IGIC newsletter.

All entries will be displayed at the 2008 Indiana GIS Conference on February 19th and 20th at the Indianapolis Hyatt Regency Conference Center.


Resources


For information on free GIS software and data available at your local library, visit the IndianaMap website.

The GENI website (Geography Educators' Network of Indiana) has resources for teachers and students interested in geospatial technologies.