Earth from Space
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Using "Earth from Space" in the classroom
Remote sensing can be useful in studying numerous disciplines, from biology to ecology to geography. The material in Earth from Space therefore can be used to satisfy the requirements of many national science standards.

In this section, we’ve pulled together lesson plans that will be engaging and helpful in the classroom. Grade level and standards are noted beside each plan.

Classroom activities:
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Annotating Change in Satellite Images

Observe and analyze land use change over time using before and after pictures, and create an animated view.

Grade Levels 10-12, with material and techniques appropriate for 6-9
Classroom Materials http://serc.carleton.edu/eet/measure_sat/index.html Courtesy of LuAnn Dahlman, Earth Exploration Toolbook
National Standards Science (5-8): Use appropriate tools and techniques to gather, analyze, and interpret data; Communicate scientific procedures and explanations; Land forms are the result of a combination of constructive and destructive forces.
Science (9-12): Use technology and mathematics to improve investigations and communications; Scientists rely on technology to enhance the gathering and manipulation of data; Interactions among the solid earth, the oceans, the atmosphere, and organisms have resulted in the ongoing evolution of the earth system.
Geography: How to use maps and other geographic representations, tools, and technologies to acquire, process, and report information from a spatial perspective; How to analyze the spatial organization of people, places, and environments on earth’s surface; The physical processes that shape the patterns of earth’s surface; How human actions modify the physical environment.
See also Measuring Distance and Area in Satellite Images http://serc.carleton.edu/eet/measure_sat2/index.html

Analyzing the Antarctic Ozone Hole http://serc.carleton.edu/eet/ozonehole/index.html

Earth Images for Education: Tracking Change Over Time

A classroom activity about tracking changes over time. This activity uses images from the Landsat satellite tracking changes on the earth over a time span of 30 years.

Grade Levels 7-12
Classroom Materials PDF: http://earthscience4kids.cr.usgs.gov/documentation/EducationPacket.pdf
Website: http://earthscience4kids.cr.usgs.gov/documentation/index.htm

Courtesy of the U.S. Geological Survey
National Standards Science: Populations, resources, and environments; Understandings about science and technology; Change, constancy, and measurement.

Echo the Bat

An interactive multidisciplinary experience for grade and middle school students using remote sensing.

Grade Levels 5-8
Classroom Materials http://imagers.gsfc.nasa.gov/echohome.html

Courtesy of NASA IMAGERS program
National Standards Science: Transfer of energy; Understandings about science and technology; Populations and ecosystems; Populations, resources, and environments.

Getting to Know Your Satellite Imagery

A lesson plan for using Landsat images to identify land cover types and make maps.

Grade Levels 5-8, 9-12
Classroom Materials http://www.globe.gov/tctg/land_la_satimage.pdf?sectionId=216

Courtesy of The GLOBE Program (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment)
National Standards Science: Design and conduct scientific investigation; Populations and ecosystems; Use maps and aerial photographs.

Investigating Urban Sprawl & Land Cover Change in the Classroom

A selection of lesson plans using Landsat data and images. Students investigate such topics as decreases in vegetation and the growth of cities.

Grade Levels 5-8, 9-12
Classroom Materials http://growsmart.gsfc.nasa.gov/

Courtesy of NASA’s How Can We Grow Smart Program
National Standards Science: Using maps and interpreting images; Collecting and analyzing data; Populations and ecosystems; Populations, resources, and environments.
 
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