Science
Worlds Apart: Remote Sensing of Mars
In these Activities, youth answer the guiding question, “How can we use data collected from a distance to choose a landing site on Mars?”
- Youth will explore how NASA uses remote sensing data to choose landing sites.
- Youth will learn that topographic data can help choose a safe and interesting landing site.
- Youth will learn that spectroscopy reveals the “fingerprints” of different minerals.
- Youth will consider all the data they have gathered to recommend a landing site that is both safe and scientifically interesting.
Engineering
Worlds Apart: Engineering Remote Sensing Devices
In these Adventures, youth answer the guiding question, “How can we design remote sensing devices to help scientists learn about a far-away moon?”
- Youth will learn that they can use mirrors to collect information from a distance by changing the way light travels.
- Youth will learn that scientists and engineers use remote sensing devices to gather information about the topographical features of a landscape.
- Youth will learn that engineers often use models to represent the technologies or materials they are investigating.
- Youth will explore how engineers often collaborate with scientists to determine the criteria and constraints of a project.
Remote Sensing
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Remote Sensing Investigation
In this Activity, youth discover how a diffraction grating splits light into different wavelengths.
- Youth will learn that light is composed of different wavelengths.
- Youth will explore how a diffraction grating can show the wavelengths in a particular light source.
- Youth will learn how scientists use wavelength “fingerprints” to identify different minerals.
- Families will consider how to illuminate dark areas of their homes.
Remote Sensing Educator Resources
Improve Teamwork, Support Understanding, and Build 21st Century Skills
