This activity demonstrates optical properties of water: that different constituents in water affect the transmission, absorption, and scattering of different colors in the visible light spectrum. Inexpensive, off-the-shelf components are used to... (View More) build a light sensor and source, creating a simple spectrophotometer that can measure light absorption. In the second part of this activity, principles of ocean color remote sensing are applied to measure reflectance. Using components that are clearly visible allows students to configure them in different ways. Playing with the instrument design gives students a practical understanding of spectrophotometers, in-water optics, and remote sensing. As an extension of this concept, students are encouraged to think about how ocean color is used to estimate the concentration of chlorophyll to infer phytoplankton abundance, colored dissolved organic matter, and suspended sediments. (View Less)

This article and interactive image compares the sizes of Hurricane Katrina and Typhoon Haiyan. SciJinks is a joint NASA/NOAA educational website targeting middle school-aged children and their educators. It explores weather and Earth science through... (View More) articles, videos, images, and games. (View Less)

This article explains the differences between polar and geostationary satellite orbits, including animations showing these orbits. SciJinks is a joint NASA/NOAA educational website targeting middle school-aged children and their educators. It... (View More) explores weather and Earth science through articles, videos, images, and games. (View Less)

This article describes the multi-camera instrument (Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer or MISR) aboard the Terra Satellite; participants use information from the article to complete a crossword puzzle. A supplemental article entitled, "Clouds and... (View More) Earth" is included. The article is targeted to children ages 10-12. (View Less)

This article discusses how NASA, NOAA, and animal researchers work together using radio transmitters and satellites to track and study migration patterns of several animal species. Also included is a "Migration Concentration" game. The article is... (View More) targeted to children ages 10-12. (View Less)

Presented in a story format, this article illustrates the use and value of Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking (SARSAT). Two links are included, one provides a detailed explanation of the SARSAT rescue process and the other presents an... (View More) authentic rescue videotaped testimonial. The article is targeted to children ages 10-12. (View Less)

This article discusses the differences between ozone in the stratosphere and troposphere, and how NASA is measuring ozone using a spectrometer on-board the Aura satellite. The article includes an activity: building a spectroscope using a DVD cover... (View More) and inexpensive materials. (View Less)

This article discusses how the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) instrument found on the Terra satellite is used to understand how particles in the atmosphere interact with sunlight and how particle pollution affects Earth's climate.... (View More) Directions for building a demonstration model of MISR out of cardboard tubes is included, along with short activities to show how it's multiple viewing angles allow MISR to differentiate the kinds of particles in the air because they scatter light differently, depending on their size, shape, and composition. (View Less)