In this article, the authors build upon the use of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) in U.S. history and in current demographic studies, using examples from co-author Herschel Sarnoff's classroom in the Watts section of Los Angeles. They discuss theoretical and conceptual approaches that support student learning with GIS and provide resources for teachers and students. Furthermore, they demonstrate how both using and critically assessing technology (particularly data) is central to students' use of GIS. (Contains 1 table, 3 figures, and 6 notes.)