This introductory manual, "GIS Basics: Working with ArcExplorer 9" created by Penn State University Cooperative Extension Geospatial Technology Program, is meant to supplement the education of 4-H students interested in GIS technologies. It covers to the fundamentals of GIS, including its importance, GIS use in the real world, and mapping. In this manual, students will find easy to digest information on GIS and geospatial technologies, complete with diagrams, maps, and photographs. There are also several activities which help to enforce understanding on these new topics.