Summer Training Components

Satellites

Stephanie Stockman explains pixel data imagery to RSESTeP workshop participants

During Summer RSESTeP Training, teachers are taught how instruments on satellites collect data, how to find local satellite imagery of their area of study, techniques for analyzing satellite imagery and are exposed to a variety of educational remote sensing Earth Science Resources.

Horace Mitchell shares with teachers Goddard's visualization studio resources

RSESTeP teachers are taught to use software analysis tools.

Peter Hildebrand shares the advantages of monitoring in different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum

RSESTeP teachers work in teams to identify features in Landsat Imagery

Dave Herring shares NASA's Earth Observatory, Visible Earth and NEO website resources

Hearing from NASA's Experts

Expert NASA Earth Observing Scientist are scheduled to present Mission Science content in support of proposed mission topics. Time is also scheduled for teachers to meet with EOS to receive feedback and guidance for local mission implementation.

Stephanie Stockman shares Landsat 7 imagery with MN RSESTeP Teacher Dee McLellan.

Claire Parkinson share Aqua satellite mission objectives and data resources with RSESTeP teachers.

NASA Oceanographer Gene Feldman provides and overview of NASA’s Ocean Science Monitoring Missions.

AK RSESTeP Teacher, Heather Pelletier receives guidance for her Knik River Glacial Retreat Study from Expert EOS scientist Claire Parkinson.

R/C Planes

NASA's Educational R/C Planes are electric hobby shop trainer planes that have been equipped with payload digital and video cameras, a thermal sensor and atmospheric probes as well as added safety features. Only certified Academy of Model Aeronautics pilots whom RSESTeP teachers have partnered with are permitted to launch and fly NASA’s Educational R/C Planes. However a second set of payload controls and video monitoring equipment are provided for students to operate during RSESTeP Mission Flights.

Integrated payload cameras, sensor and communication down-link systems

During Summer RSESTeP Training, teachers are trained to:

• prep the plane for flight
• operate payload controls
• monitor, download and analyze payload data
• follow all safety protocols and procedures

Separate Plane and Payload Power Switches

Multi-terrain landing skids

Separate pilot flight and student payload controls

Ground-Truthing

Experienced SD RSESTeP teacher Tom Mead shows colleagues how to use a Garmin GPS

Ground-truthing is a very important component of remote sensing. Taking ground measurements provides current conditions of an area of study which can be later corroborated with Satellite and R/C Plane payload data to note any changes or trends in the area of study over time during post mission data analysis.

Visiting RSESTeP Teachers are trained to use a variety of simple and high tech tools found in GSFC’s RSESTeP Equipment Kits which are loaned to teachers for student use during local mission implementation providing a means for teachers to take Earth Science out of the textbook and into the field.

Team members take turns using the Infrared Thermometer to record and compare grass and pavement readings.

Teachers take ownership of their own training as each are assigned to master and present one tool from the RSESTeP Ground-truthing Kit which can be used in support of their local mission to colleagues.

To practice what they’ve learned, teachers conduct a mini Three-Tiered RSESTeP Mission at Goddard Field and will later be introduced to three-tiered analysis techniques to analyze the data they collected during their Field Mission.

HI RSESTeP Teacher Matthew Martin demonstrates to colleagues how to prep a dissolved oxygen sensor that will be used during his coral monitoring mission