Remote Sensing in Schools

Satellite images and aerial photographs as modern geographical method can be found more frequent in atlases, textbooks, television and internet. Nevertheless, the use of it is hardly spread in lessons as well as in the curriculum in many countries. But the imparting and use of modern geographical methods at school is of an increasing importance because satellite images have a didactic potential and can contribute to foster-ing important geographical competences, like ‘space related action competences’ and the ‘subjective evalua-tion faculty’. Satellite images offer through demonstrative and immediate images of the earth surface large primary space information. With it they enhance project-orientated and hands-on learning because satellite images can be directly compared with reality and interdisciplinary interpreted. Therefore the research pro-jects in progress follow the aim to systematically and holistically implement satellite images in school through the following procedures:
1. An international empirical study based on online questionnaires about the extent and kind of use of satellite images and aerial photographs in (Geography) lessons.
2. Development of a theoretical based concept for a didactical overall remote sensing interactive and multimedia learning environment with the goal of a self led and context-engaged application of satellite images and aerial photographs.
3. First application of the theoretical based concept for Middle Schools and within the context of the European project „Science Education through Earth Observation for High Schools“ (SEOS) in a web based learning management system.
The international online questionnaire aims to analyse the different concepts of teachers and pupils about the extent and kind of satellite images that are used in school and the technical competence or the fore-knowledge of the pupils. The study shows that there are significant differences in various answers and inter-esting approaches to be followed, e.g. the gap between interest and motivation of satellite images in school.
Based on these results a didactical theoretical remote sensing-overall concept is being developed how satel-lite images can be reasonable and purposeful initiated in school commenced with Middle School pupils and ending with High School graduates.
One of the first applications of the didactical theoretical remote sensing-overall concept is realised within a web based remote sensing learning management system implemented within the EU-founded project “Sci-ence Education through Earth Observation for High Schools” (SEOS). Within this project the Department of Geography at the University of Heidelberg is developing two modules, one about the basic methodology of remote sensing and one module about using satellite images monitoring land use changes. The last module should be analysed in the context of promoting ‘subjective evaluation faculty’ of the pupils in the field of envi-ronmental changes and if satellite images can better contribute to that evaluation competence than ’normal’ methods and medias.

Through the development and evaluation of an overall didactical remote sensing concept and derivated learning elements for different age levels, such as the SEOS modules, the didactical potential of satellite images should be put in value and sustainable supported in school.