The challenge for today's elementary teachers is not whether but rather how to use computers to effectively teach students essential skills and concepts. One exciting way of meeting this challenge is to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS), computer software that captures, manipulates, analyzes, and displays data on specialized layered maps. GIS links together commonly seen map features, such as bodies of water or county boundaries, with information such as pollution levels or population density, making it possible to see relationships that otherwise might not be apparent when viewing static map.