Geomatics Academy

Towson University partners with two regional high schools to form Geomatics Academies, College Preparation Programs funded by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. The first partnership began in the fall of 2008 with Fairmont Heights High School of Prince Georges County. Starting in the fall of 2009, Towson University began a second partnership with Wicomico High School of Wicomico County. The Academies are designed to:

• strengthen students’ understanding of mathematics (particularly Algebra I and Data Analysis concepts)
• promote college awareness, and
• introduce students to a variety of careers within the environmental sciences.

The integration of mathematics, geography, and environmental science is a novel and engaging approach to generate enthusiasm for learning through hands-on, real-life activities that utilize a variety of technologies including:

• Google Earth,
• Global Positioning System (GPS),
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS),
• graphing calculator with accessory probes, and
• Excel spreadsheet software.

Among the Academies activities are

• using GPS units to estimate the circumference of the Earth,
• measuring stream water discharge,
• utilizing geometric properties of the streets of Washington, D.C. to develop and strengthen understanding of algebra concepts,
• using large-scale aerial photographs that include the students’ school to build concepts of map scale based upon the length of the school’s football field,
• using aerial imagery and Geographic Information Systems to explore loss of surface area of Lake Chad over several years, and
• enjoying Arithmetic Insurrection, a play written by Dr. David White (Theatre Department) specifically for the Academy students, introducing them to famous people (Archimedes, Galileo, Sophie Germain, and Sir Ronald Fisher) who have affected the way we think about science and mathematics.

Fairmont Heights High School students

The Geomatics Academies are communities of learners, comprised of approximately 45 high school students, a Site Coordinator from each of the participating high schools and seven faculty members from Towson University: Drs. Linda Cooper, Ming Tomayko, and Felice Shore from the Department of Mathematics; and Drs. Martin Roberge, Paporn Thebpanya, Virginia Thompson, and John Morgan from the Department of Geography and Environmental Planning.

For more information about activities see The Geomatics Academy website.

The Jess and Mildred Fisher
College of Science and Mathematics
Smith Hall, Room 312 (campus map)
Phone: 410-704-2121
Fax: 410-704-2604
E-mail: fcsm@towson.edu