NASA uses satellite instruments to track Earth's subsystems - the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and cryosphere - to learn how they interact and how they affect climate. This 5-minute video introduces the tools NASA uses to gather... (View More) data about those subsystems, then explains how analysis and visualization of that data can be used to create mathematical models for predicting weather and climate. NASA eClips™ are short, relevant educational video segments. The Real World series of NASA eClips™ connects classroom mathematics to 21st century careers and innovations and are designed to encourage an appreciation for mathematics through real-world problem-solving. (View Less)

This 12-page educational comic book introduces readers to the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission. Using the Japanese anime art style, the comic book explains the satellite technology and the mission goals and applications. Supplemental... (View More) materials to support the story include an overview of the GPM mission, a description of the satellite and its instruments, examples of the data it collects, descriptions of some of the constellation partners, and a glossary of science terms used in the comic. Links are provided to additional related resources, including a template for learners to create their own comic. The Japanese anime/manga style of art was chosen because the GPM mission is a collaboration between NASA and JAXA, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. (View Less)

Students simulate the process of remote sensing by using common materials to represent Earth’s different ground coverings and a light meter to represent satellite instruments. The concept of albedo and its importance in Earth’s radiation budget... (View More) are introduced. The lesson uses the 5E instructional model and is part of the book, "Tour of the Electromagnetic Spectrum." (View Less)

Interested in becoming a citizen scientist? Join Dr. Michelle Thaller as she explains how the general public, using scientific protocols, careful observations and accurate measurements, can help NASA make exciting new discoveries. NASA eClips™ are... (View More) short, relevant educational video segments. These videos inspire and engage students, helping them see real world connections. The Real World series of NASA eClips™ connects classroom mathematics to 21st century careers and innovations and are designed for students to develop an appreciation for mathematics through real-world problem-solving. (View Less)

Using new and recycled materials, learners construct a rocket car that moves by the use of a balloon and a straw system. Following trial runs, learners engineer revisions to the car design to improve the distance that it travels. Templates,... (View More) pictures, worksheets and a lengthy list of suggested construction materials are provided. This activity was designed for use in a library program. (View Less)

Using different perspectives- the unaided eye, a magnifying lens, and a satellite- provides different information. Children make observations of common objects- along with images of butterflies, the Mississippi River, a fire in the Colorado Black... (View More) Forest, and Mars- to learn how views from close up and views from far away change our understandings. This activity was designed for use in a library program. (View Less)

An introduction to the Landsat satellite is presented through a poster with accompanying images, information and classroom lesson. The poster displays 10 pairs of international Landsat images highlighting changes over time from both natural and... (View More) human-induced causes. The back of the poster provides a glimpse into the history, purpose, and benefits of the Landsat mission. An introduction to the AmericaView program includes information on Earth Observation Day. The lesson uses a matching game format to encourage students to investigate, identify, compare/contrast and report on scenes in Landsat images. See Related & Supplemental Resources for a booklet format of the poster back and additional Landsat image change pairs from Earthshots. (View Less)

Acting as the ICESat-2 satellite, students investigate the reflection of light photons off Earth's surface by catching and recording a number of photons. Using bouncy balls to represent the photons, students drop, let bounce once and try to catch in... (View More) one hand as many balls (photons) as possible. Drops occur on carpeted and non-carpeted areas, and with and without the presence of cardboard buildings, to represent different Earth surfaces. The lesson includes background information, instructions and concluding questions. Related Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are listed. (View Less)

This site features information about constructing a LEGO model of the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission Core Observatory. Two options for building the GPM model are provided: students can construct a 3D model on the LEGO website or... (View More) build an actual LEGO model of the satellite (information is provided for purchasing individual parts or for purchasing a pre-packaged kit). In addition to learning about the primary components of the GPM satellite, students will also learn facts about the mission, its technology and instrumentation. (View Less)

The Global Precipitation Mission (GPM) collects rain, snow and other precipitation data worldwide every three hours. This short (4:17 minute) video introduces learners to the role of GPM and it's partner satellites in gathering precipitation data... (View More) and the role of Goddard's Precipitation Processing System (PPS) in compiling that data into unified global data sets. (View Less)