EarthKAM
Location:
International
Description:
EarthKAM enables students to explore and learn about Earth using images taken from the unique and powerful perspective of space. EarthKAM has accumulated a wealth of images, taken remotely by middle school students operating an electronic still camera flown in Earth orbit. These visible-light images show a diversity of regions and physical features, from every continent except Antarctica - all available on the educational, user-friendly, Web-based data system. Educational materials are also available online to help educators get
started with the program and integrate working with images into their classrooms and curricula.
EarthKAM's main objectives are:
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To integrate Earth images with inquiry-based learning to enhance curricula in support of national and state education standards;
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To provide students and educators the opportunity to participate in a
space mission and to develop teamwork, communication, and problem
solving skills;
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To engage teams of students, educators, and researchers in
collaborative investigations using remotely-sensed data; and
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To incorporate the active use of Web-based tools and resources in
support of the learning process.
Educators for grades 5 through 12 are invited to use the EarthKAM
images and materials available on the EarthKAM Web site. Middle
schools also have the opportunity of applying to join the online
EarthKAM Community. The community provides additional information and
support for students and educators as they conduct collaborative,
inquiry-based investigations based upon the images and their
classroom studies. Details on the benefits of and requirements for
joining the EarthKAM Community are available on the Web site.
EarthKAM is a collaboration among NASA, the University of
California, San Diego, and TERC's Center for Earth and Space Science
Education. Middle schools are selected for participation the NASA
Center in their region. To locate the nearest NASA region, see
http://www.earthkam.ucsd.edu/contact/.
URL:
EarthKAM_Coordinator@TERC.edu
Education Level:
Grades 5-8
Subject:
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Global Environmental Change
Land Use
Mapping
Remote Sensing
Program type:
Curriculum Development/Support
Educational Technology
Student Enrichment
Date Added to teachearth.com:
5/1/00