Accessing Remote Sensing Data

This article talks about remote sensing of the Earth as a benefit for students education. It describes access to Landsat images and other types of available data that helps students underst... See More

This article talks about remote sensing of the Earth as a benefit for students education. It describes access to Landsat images and other types of available data that helps students understand changes over time. Specifically it provides information to obtain a ‘Reflections on Earth poster’ as well as the ‘Biodiversity and Remote Sensing Teacher’s Guide.’ The use of remote sensing data and the manipulation of that data is a great tool for prepare our students for the future.

Using False Color to Study Environmental Changes

This article shows how a teacher used remote-sensing data and “Reflections on Earth”, a program developed by The Smithsonian Institution, to offer his students opportunities to explore the o... See More

This article shows how a teacher used remote-sensing data and “Reflections on Earth”, a program developed by The Smithsonian Institution, to offer his students opportunities to explore the ongoing environmental research efforts of Smithsonian scientists. Students learned about ways Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and remote-sensing photos taken from Landsat and other satellites were used to study environmental changes. They also learned how urban planners, oil exploration companies, national defense agencies, meteorologists, and others used these satellite images in their everyday work. The article includes information for ordering the materials needed to incorporate lessons on remote-sensing into a curriculum. I was fortunate to obtain similar false color posters of my state to use to engage my students in an activity using remote-sensing data. I highly recommend an activity like this for students in middle school.