Challenger Center: Earth Science Challenge

Mathematics, Science, Engineering, Technology

5-12

Students will be able to:

Observe different areas on our planet that illustrate change over time from space
Describe images pointing out features that show change such as forests, volcanoes, glaciers, rivers, lakes, cities and towns
Explain in writing what features they see in the images, and what they predict they would see a future photo of the same location
Research Nature Conservancy sites around the world that are of concern to environmentalists
Choose areas of the world they think should be monitored in the future for signs of change due to natural hazards, climate change or human impact
Describe their justifications in writing and create and communicate an action plan for protecting this area of the world using video
Share their findings with others by posting their photos, observations, predictions, justifications and video action plans online

2-4 class periods. 50 minutes per class.

What signs of change can be seen in images of our planet taken from space?
What are the causes of these differences (population growth, climate change, natural hazards, etc.)
What areas of the planet may show signs of change in the future due to urban growth, pollution, deforestation, glacial recession, and agricultural expansion?
What can humans do to help conserve or protect areas of the world?

Nature Conservancy Images from Space and Resources
Richard Garriott, private space explorer, partnered with The Nature Conservancy to identify environmental change and successful protection projects around the world. He photographed sites selected by Nature Conservancy scientists during his flight last year to the International Space Station. The photographs will be used by scientists to compare the ecological changes within one generation. Students can explore and download the images and complete research on why these sites are important to conservationists using the information and links provided for each site.
Earth Science Challenge Forum
A shared online forum for students and teachers completing Earth Science challenge activities. The forum includes links to the Earth Science Challenge activities and resources and to students’ portfolios of snapshots and observations. Students can upload imagery, text and videos, comment on other’s journals. Teachers can contribute Earth Science lessons of their own. Challenger Center educational staff moderates all posts.