Integration of Earth observing data with biological and physical science curricula

This paper focuses on experiences gained through projects oriented at the enrichment of biological and physical science curriculum through the incorporation of Earth observing satellite data. The basic premise is that Earth observing satellite images or information and/or measurements derived from images can provide unique insight into science topics and/or can provide another perspective about the topic. It is also thought that remote sensing from space catches the students attention and sparks their interest in the topic being addressed. One project on which this paper is based was oriented at the high school level and another project was oriented at community college academic programs. Both of the projects followed the same general approach which involved the selection of a science topic, statement of the fundamental concepts related to the topic, introduction to Earth observation technology related to the topic, and the illustration of the results of Earth observation that provides information about the topic. These project involved the use of multimedia software to assemble and present the material in the form of text, hypertext, video clips, animation, graphs, and images. These projects involved the development of the material in conjunction with instructors actively teaching the courses to which the science topics pertained. Products were in the form of computer-implemented learning exercises. Once preliminary products were developed, they were distributed to a wide range of instructors of biological and physical science courses for evaluation and feedback before being put into final form. This product will be distributed in the form of a CD and posted on an Internet web site. However, it is thought that the faculty enhancement provided during the course of these projects and the lessons learned during project activities were also valuable products. The object of this paper is to discuss the lessons learned in the process of developing the products in the manner described above and to suggest solutions to some of the problems encountered.