Summary

Through the Technology Innovation Challenge Grant, Cox High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia, students used GIS (Geographical Information Systems) software, called ArcView. Students used this engineering software to gather real-life data for a twist on the classic traveling salesperson problem. GIS software displays geographical maps, which has underneath Excel spreadsheet database containing all kinds of information such as location, temperature, heights and contour lines.

Objective(s)

• Students will work in groups to create models using GIS software (ArcView) to answer the problem of the traveling salesman.

National Standards

Check your own state and districts standards.

Technology and/or Materials Needed

• Computers
• GIS software, ArcView
• Printers

Implementation Time Frame

Estimated time of 1 week

Activities

To do a similar transportation graph theory problem in your classroom (e.g. finding the most efficient way for the traveling salesman or most efficient ways to travel between high schools for athletic games), Joanne Rowe recommends you download the following:

• Graph-Theory-Win Disc - from Philips Exeter Academy

Assessment

Students and teacher will both assess projects.

Resources and Links

Check out Netfiles' Net-igration for this month for links.