The More Lessons from the Sky Analysis Toolbox contains informative articles, descriptions of software packages, and tutorial samples for teachers to use when planning and implementing lessons utilizing satellites and satellite-based technologies including remote-sensing environmental data available online. This collection of "tools" continues to grow as new or revised items are posted periodically. Some of the tools have been referenced by specific lesson plans in the SEA Lesson Plan Library.
All "tools" and lesson plans can be downloaded and read in PDF. A PDF viewer such as Adobe Reader or equivalent is required. If present, Student Activity pages are also downloadable in Microsoft Word document format (DOCX) for ease of adaptation to the needs of students, curriculum, and classroom situation.
Analytical Tool | Access | Description |
Using Satellites in Education | Web Portal Help for teachers introducing their k-12 students to the fascinating and relevant realm of environmental satellites and a treasure trove of available remote sensing data. Five chapters: "Environmental Satellites 101" followed by how-to-do-it chapters on accessing data by direct readout, accessing data archives online, visualizing and analyzing, and interpreting image data. Each section includes background information, short tutorials, videos, lesson plans, downloadable information sheets, and bountiful links to more information. An interactive glossary runs throughout. | |
GIOVANNI Interactive Visualization and Analysis |
Tutorial Lesson This hands-on tutorial guide is an introduction to Giovanni, an online interactive visualization and analysis tool provided by NASA at the Goddard Earth Science Data Information Service Center (GES DISC). It will provide easy access to remotely sensed data from many environmental satellites. Following the tutorial steps will allow learners to experience the value and utility of Giovanni for themselves while becoming familiar with its "look and feel." | |
GloVis USGS Global Visualization Viewer |
Tutorial Lesson This hands-on tutorial guide is an introduction to GloVis, an online global visualization viewer provided by the Earth Resources Observation and Science Center (EROS) at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). It provides easy access to satellite and aerial survey scenes in the EROS inventory. Following the tutorial steps, learners can discover the value and utility of GloVis for themselves and becoming familiar with its "look and feel" as they investigate changes in Greenland's Jacobshavn Glacier. | |
NOAA View Data Exploration Tool |
Tutorial Lesson This hands-on tutorial guide presents NOAA View, an online data exploration tool provided by NOAA's Environmental Visualization Laboratory. It will provide easy access to remotely sensed data from many environmental satellites and surface datasets. The tutorial steps will introduce younger investigators to the value and utility of remote sensing imagery analysis while providing older learners an impressive first-look at datasets prior to deeper analysis with other tools. | |
ImageJ User Guide |
Online Access Full and complete documentation and access to everything you need to know about how to use ImageJ to display, manipulate, analyze, interpret, and communicate digital graphic information in meaningful ways. PDF takes you directly to the PDF User Guide while OTHER opens the ImageJ Documentation page where you can read the User Guide online and access a wide variety of information options to help you get the most from this program tool. | |
MultiSpec Tutorials & Exercises |
Web Portal Full documentation and access to everything you need to know about how to use MultiSpec, the freeware multispectral image data analysis system from Purdue Research Foundation. Includes tutorials, exercises, practice image files and sample lesson plans. Links to other MultiSpec documentation in Spanish, Greek, and Hungarian. | |
ArcGIS Online Getting Started |
Web Portal Illustrated tutorial documentation for the beginner getting started with ArcGIS Online. Topics include beginning a map, adding a layer, navigating the map, changing the style, adding demographic data, saving and sharing the map, creating a web app, configuring the app, and editing the items details. Also links to additional tutorials and related courses of study. All provided and updated by ESRI. | |
Global Climate Change An Introduction to Data Analysis and Interpretation |
Tutorial Lesson Reasonable analysis of quantitative data often seems best learned through repeated experiences with data in various forms whether tables, charts, graphs, or georeferenced digital images. Developing students' habits of thinking about numbers through multiple and varied experiences is an ongoing challenge for teachers. This inquiry-based lesson plan guides learners to their own interpretation of atmospheric CO2 concentration and surface temperature data through definition and practice in data collection, graphing, and analysis. For middle and high school; adaptable to lower grade levels. |
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