Building Geographic Literacy through Participatory Projects
The Department of Geography at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) recently launched a series of Geography in Action Workshops aimed at third‑year secondary students from the El Virolet School Institute in Sabadell.
The workshops, held on 17 and 24 February 2025, offered an immersive experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and demonstrated how spatial data can drive research and community solutions.
Showcasing Faculty Research
Each session began with an overview of the department’s diverse research projects — mobility patterns, gender studies, forest fire monitoring, and landscape evolution — all underpinned by spatial analysis.
By spotlighting these examples, students saw first‑hand how GIS moves beyond a textbook concept into real‑world impact.
Introducing GIS Fundamentals
The core of the workshop was a step‑by‑step introduction to GIS methodology.
Starting with the historic “hand‑drawn maps” of Dr. John Snow’s 1854 cholera investigation, the tutors explained the importance of layering geographic information and how this layer‑based approach reveals hidden patterns.
Designing a Local Problem‑Based Project
Students were then presented with a municipality‑specific problem to solve.
They constructed a detailed project sheet that included:
- Project title
- Territorial scope
- Objectives
- Information layers to be used
- Proposed interventions
- Expected outcomes
- Approximate budget
This exercise fostered critical thinking, data handling skills, and an understanding of how geographic knowledge translates into actionable plans.
Presenting Student Work
The workshops concluded with student presentations.
Each group shared its findings, and the faculty highlighted the creative use of GIS in addressing community challenges.
A photo gallery of these sessions is available here, showcasing the enthusiasm and collaborative spirit of the participants.
Expanding Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
Those interested in deeper engagement can explore additional resources such as the Geography in Action: The Treatment of Geoinformation as a Source of Knowledge full workshop here.
Another avenue for students and educators is the Argó program offered by the department: Learn more.
Next Steps for Educators and Students
Whether you are a secondary teacher seeking innovative lesson plans or a student looking forward to a career in spatial analysis, the Geography in Action workshops provide a proven framework for experiential learning.
Take Action:
- Subscribe to the UAB Geography newsletter to receive updates on future workshops and academic events.
- Download the workshop outline and adapt it for your own class schedule.
- Contact the Department of Geography by email at [email protected] to discuss collaborative opportunities or to request further materials.
- Share your experiences, suggestions, or questions in the comments section below — we value community insight.
- Explore our related news articles for additional context on GIS in education.
