Nominations are now open for the Geospatial in Schools Awards 2025, an initiative aimed at recognizing outstanding teachers and students engaged in geospatial education. Organized by She Maps, the awards seek to honor individuals who have made significant achievements in teaching or learning geospatial topics across various curriculum subjects. This program highlights the importance of geospatial skills in today’s educational landscape and supports the development of future geospatial professionals.
Who Can Apply for the Geospatial in Schools Awards?
The Geospatial in Schools Awards are open to both students and teachers who have demonstrated excellence in geospatial education. Whether you’re a student passionate about geography or a teacher innovating in digital technologies, there’s an award category for you.
Award Categories
- Outstanding Geospatial Student Award
Open to students of any age who have shown exceptional understanding and application of geospatial concepts. - Emerging Geospatial Teacher Award
Designed for teachers with fewer than three years of experience who have made notable contributions to geospatial education. - Innovative Geospatial Teacher Award
Aimed at teachers with over three years of experience who have introduced creative and effective geospatial teaching methods.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility criteria for each award category can be found on the Awards website. Applicants must demonstrate their involvement and achievements in geospatial education through various projects, teaching methods, or academic pursuits.
Why Geospatial Education Matters
Geospatial education plays a critical role in developing skills essential for understanding and solving complex environmental and social issues. By integrating geospatial technology into the curriculum, educators can enhance students’ analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Benefits of Geospatial Learning
- Enhanced Critical Thinking: Geospatial tools encourage students to analyze data and make informed decisions.
- Real-World Applications: Skills learned through geospatial education are applicable in various fields such as urban planning, environmental science, and disaster management.
- Career Readiness: Proficiency in geospatial technologies prepares students for careers in a rapidly growing sector.
Success Stories from Previous Years
The Geospatial in Schools Awards have a history of recognizing exceptional talent and fostering a community of geospatial enthusiasts. Last year’s awards saw remarkable achievements from both students and teachers, who have gone on to make significant impacts in their respective fields.
Highlights from Locate24
- Student Achievement: A student who developed a geospatial project to map local wildlife habitats received the Outstanding Geospatial Student Award.
- Teacher Innovation: An emerging teacher introduced a geospatial-based curriculum that significantly improved student engagement and understanding.
These stories inspire new nominees to strive for excellence and contribute to the advancement of geospatial education.
How to Nominate and What’s at Stake
Nominating for the Geospatial in Schools Awards is a straightforward process, with a deadline set for November 30, 2024. Finalists will be announced on February 13, 2025, and the winners will be honored at the Locate25 conference in Brisbane in April 2025.
What Winners Receive
| Award Category | Prize Details |
|---|---|
| Outstanding Geospatial Student | Travel subsidy and an entry pass to attend one day of Locate25. |
| Emerging Geospatial Teacher | Travel subsidy, entry pass to Locate25, and a one-year She Maps membership. |
| Innovative Geospatial Teacher | Travel subsidy, entry pass to Locate25, and a one-year She Maps membership. |
In addition to these prizes, teacher recipients gain access to She Maps’ extensive suite of teaching and learning resources, further enhancing their ability to deliver high-quality geospatial education.
Supporting Organizations and Future Impact
The Geospatial in Schools Awards are supported and endorsed by The Surveyors’ Trust and the Geospatial Council of Australia, ensuring that the program is backed by leading organizations in the field. This support underscores the significance of geospatial education and its impact on both personal and professional development.
Endorsements and Partnerships
- The Surveyors’ Trust: Provides financial support and resources to award winners.
- Geospatial Council of Australia: Offers expertise and guidance to ensure the awards align with industry standards and future trends.
By fostering collaboration between educators, students, and industry leaders, the Geospatial in Schools Awards aim to create a sustainable pipeline of geospatial talent ready to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.
