From Earth to Venus – Lesson 5: Capturing Data from Afar
Lesson Summary
In this lesson: This lesson introduces students to remote sensing through hands-on observation and analysis of satellite images from Earth and Venus. Students explore how spatial resolution and field of view change with distance, then apply that understanding by conducting their own aerial imaging mission using a kite-mounted Aeropod system. By capturing and analyzing images, students connect camera design to planetary science and practice skills used in real NASA missions. The unit culminates in students presenting annotated maps and mission reports that reflect on their findings.
Lesson level question: How can remote sensing help prepare for on-the-ground exploration?
Engage
Students will observe images of both Earth and Venus, and begin to wonder how scientists can make discoveries about planets from remote photographs.
Explore
Students will discover the relationship between camera resolution, spatial resolution, camera viewing angle, and field of view, as well as how these change with distance by taking and analyzing photos of a small object from various distances.
Explain
Students will deepen their understanding of how remote sensing instruments collect data and how instrument design influences the information we can gather. They will make calculations and compare the capabilities of their own camera to those used in real NASA missions, apply key vocabulary, and use their worksheet to make connections between instrument design and planetary science questions.
Elaborate
Students will prepare for and carry out a remote sensing mission using a kite-mounted Aeropod camera system.
Evaluate
Students will analyze their image, make a classified map from their image, and document their work and learning for this lesson by meeting the deliverables outlined in MO-5.
Extend (optional)
Students will extend their learning by choosing one of three options: exploring careers related to remote sensing, tracking surface changes over time through repeated observations or satellite data, or building and testing a smaller kite to explore the forces of flight.
Standards Alignment
Each lesson includes standards alignment information for the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Many lessons also include information on alignment opportunities for: CCSS Mathematics, CCSS English, WA State Learning Standards in Computer Science, WA State Standards in Social Emotional Learning.
In these documents, you will find an alignment summary, followed by details for each lesson: