Since artificial satellites first orbited Earth in 1956, scientists, both amateur and professional, have collected and studied the vast amounts of observations made by, and transmitted to us from, those satellites. Most of those data are archived in databases utilized only by expert investigators trained in the use of specialized retrieval techniques and analysis tools.
More recently, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and others have developed new online tools for easy retrieval of archived data in various forms that serve the needs of every level of scientific research including middle and high school grade levels.
This hands-on tutorial guide is an introduction to GIOVANNI, an interactive visualization and analysis tool provided by NASA at the Goddard Earth Science Data Information Services 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'.
| Relevant Disciplines: | All |
| Grade Level: | 6-12 |
| Adaptable to Other Grades: | No |
| Time Required (class periods): | 1 |
| Prerequisites: | None |
| Additional Resources Available: | No |
Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this lesson:
Science and Engineering Practices for all NGSS.