Remote Sensing Technology and Nanotechnology
Ramapo College in New Jersey has invited teachers to participate in their RST2--Revitalizing Science Teaching via Remote Sensing Technology...
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http://cse.ssl.berkeley.edu/////////////////////////Ramapo College in New Jersey has invited teachers to participate in their RST2--Revitalizing Science Teaching via Remote Sensing Technology. Sponsored by NSF, the focus is on the Passaic-Hackensack watershed, supply of water for much of New Jersey. Landsat and spot tools will be used. Historical data, such as maps, and the results of prior student investigations are incorporated into the study of current data samples. Graduate credit and stipends are available, while schools need to commit some funds toward equipment if needed. Ramapo also supplies Internet connectivity for one year for project schools.
The Jwocky NASA site illustrates the mapping of the ozone layer using spectrometers. At Space Science, another NASA site, students can join with other scientists in a global network for monitoring the Leonids.
Mag-nify's emphasis lay in a different subject area than the above sites, namesly mechanics and physics--measurement and control. In Australia the secondary science curriculum involves many hands-on activities. Here remote sensors are connected to the computer for investigations and simulations of the workings of mechancal devices, such as an exercise bike. Regardless of the curricular differences this site offers some solid activities for integrating and manipulating real-time data with telecommunications.
The Micro-computer-based Lab at Concord (click on links)lists several dozen sources for probeware. In conjunction with smaller machines the possibilities for K-12 students to investigate real-time data will surely grow. TEEMSS 2 at the Concord Consortium is also analyzing students' use of the probeware by all major vendors.
The Science Information Infrastructure at Berkeley is jointly sponsored by museum partners. It solicits lessons by teachers and provides a model template. Its topics include space, light, cycles, weather and others. As part of the High Performance Computing initiative, it is well-managed but the lesson templates do not include space for standards.
The Remote-Sensing Conference probably is not an option for high school science teachers. The site itself, however, includes good links to the entire field.
Review some of the video kam sites. For instance, middle school students can set up a Student Mission Operation for selecting their own photos from a camera mounted on one of the NASA mission vehicles and develop research projects.
Nanotechnology, a fledgling science, will be worth keeping an eye on.
And for young students, you will find a Molecularium with musical notes for nano photos, developed by Rensaleer.
The Lawrence Hall of Science gives teachers activities coordinated with national and state standards.
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Science in the making can be a very powerful motivator. Even if you are unable to participate in these particular projects, it may be worthwhile to contact them for future involvement and for understanding how your school could replicate this model of remote sensing technology, synthesized with historical data.
