Remote Sensing

Taking Shape

Model a remote sensing device called LiDAR by engineering a technology to produce a 3D image of a landscape.

Scientists and engineers use remote sensing devices to gather information about the topographical features of a landscape.
Engineers often use models to represent the technologies or materials they are investigating.

A3_Taking_Shape_Educator_Guide Taking Shape Educator Guide	pdf 168.29 KB
A3_Taking_Shape_Engineering_Notebook Taking Shape Engineering Notebook (English)	pdf 350.23 KB
A3_Taking_Shape_Engineering_Notebook_Spanish Taking Shape Engineering Notebook (Spanish)	pdf 684.08 KB

The Educator Guide has a script, materials list, and prep directions. Be sure to have it open and ready to help guide you through every activity.

Post the Engineering Design Process poster.
Bundle a handful of straws together using a rubber band or craft foam and tape, to demonstrate how youth can keep the straws packed together in their model LiDAR device.
Create a Materials Table with the materials listed on Educator Guide p. 41.

How can we gather information about topography?

Some animals, such as bats and whales, have evolved the ability to remotely sense their surroundings using sonar, which relies on bouncing sound waves instead of light.

Consider playing videos for youth to review LiDAR.
Encourage youth to try out different materials or combinations to keep the straws together.
As an alternative to drawing, have groups trace the topography by using the shape of the straw tops held up to paper.

LiDAR: (Light Detection And Ranging): a remote sensing technology that collects data from lasers to map the shape of a landscape

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