She Maps has officially opened nominations for the Geospatial in Schools Awards 2025. This annual program celebrates the outstanding achievements of students and teachers in the field of geospatial education. The awards aim to highlight exceptional projects and innovative teaching methods, encouraging the next generation of geospatial professionals across Australia. Nominations are welcome for individuals who have demonstrated a strong passion and skill in applying geospatial concepts.
Who can be Nominated for an Award?
The awards are designed to recognize talent at different stages, from young learners to experienced educators. There are specific categories to ensure everyone has a chance to be honored for their unique contributions.
The program is split into three distinct categories:
- Outstanding Geospatial Student Award: This is for any student who has shown a remarkable ability to understand and use geospatial ideas in their projects.
- Emerging Geospatial Teacher Award: This category is for teachers with less than three years of experience who have already made a significant impact.
- Innovative Geospatial Teacher Award: This award recognizes experienced teachers (over three years) who use creative and effective methods to teach geospatial topics.
Applicants must showcase their achievements in geospatial education, whether through classroom projects, new teaching strategies, or academic work. Full eligibility details for each award can be found on the official awards website.
The Growing Importance of Geospatial Education
Learning about geospatial technology is more important than ever. It helps students develop crucial skills for solving real-world problems. By using these tools, students learn to think critically and analyze data to make better decisions.
These skills are not just for the classroom. They are highly sought after in many important fields, such as urban planning, environmental science, and disaster management. Proficiency in geospatial technologies prepares students for careers in a rapidly growing industry. Past award winners have gone on to make a real difference, like a student who mapped local wildlife habitats and a teacher who created a new curriculum that boosted student engagement.
Prizes and Key Dates to Remember
Finalists will be announced on February 13, 2025, with winners celebrated at the Locate25 conference in Brisbane in April 2025. The prizes are designed to support the winners’ continued growth in the geospatial field.
The nomination process is simple and can be completed online. The deadline for all nominations is November 30, 2024. This is a fantastic opportunity for students and teachers to gain recognition for their hard work.
| Award Category | Prize Details |
|---|---|
| Outstanding Geospatial Student | Travel subsidy and a one-day entry pass to 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 the prizes, winning teachers will also get access to She Maps’ comprehensive teaching resources.
Support from Industry Leaders
The Geospatial in Schools Awards are backed by major organizations in the field, including The Surveyors’ Trust and the Geospatial Council of Australia. Their support shows how valuable these awards are to the industry.
This partnership helps ensure the program aligns with current industry standards and future trends. By connecting students, teachers, and industry experts, the awards help build a strong future for the geospatial community in Australia.
