RSESTeP Science Clubs

Part of RSESTeP's success is that each trained RSESTeP teacher utilizes NASA resources in a way that best meets the needs of the local community. Two RSESTeP Teachers established after-school Remote Sensing Earth Science Clubs demonstrating that RSESTeP is a program that can also be used in informal educational settings.

4th Grade Spencer Elementary After-School Remote Sensing Science Club

Michigan RSESTeP Teacher, Liz Larwa, invited colleagues to create a "Fourth Grade after-school Remote Sensing Science Club". In partnership with Sea Grant, Scientist Jason Potter, Hammond R/C Plane Club AMA pilots, and students monitored the invasive Purple Loosestrife plants that were invading Michigan. The students in the after-school club learned about the purple-loosestrife plant, how NASA Earth Observing satellites monitor vegetation, how to identify purple loosestrife in satellite imagery, and how to compare images over time to see changes. The students used ground-truthing tools to take current field measurements and helped R/C pilots prep NASA's Educational UAV for flight. The Sea Grant scientists made special overlay data to help students corroborate satellite, R/C plane payload, and ground- truthing data. The students concluded that eradication efforts were working but will keep studying the area.

Middle School "Flying Eagles" After-School Remote Sensing Science Club

Michigan RSESTeP teacher, Kent Brandt, created the "Flying Eagles" After School Remote Sensing Club to study the effects of the invasive green ash bore beetle destroying trees in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Students met at the library weekly to learn about the ash bore beetle, NASA Remote Sensing, and R/C plane operations to prepare for their field mission.

The teacher and students created a website to share information about their monitoring mission which may be viewed at the Michigan Flying Eagles Invasive Ash Bore Beetle Monitoring Mission Homepage .