Exploring Earth Observation Data: NASA Resources for your Citizen Science Projects

Workshop Description:

Date: Tuesday, February 27, 2024, 12:30PM - 5PM CT, Space Center Houston

• Workshop Audience: Informal education specialists, program coordinators, etc. (adults)
• Goals:
  • GLOBE: Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) is an international program designed to engage students, educators, scientists, and citizens in real-world STEM learning experiences focused on the interconnected relationships of our Earth as a system. During the GLOBE session participants will explore the GLOBE Observer app as a means of gathering data during the upcoming eclipse on April 8th. As part of a guided inquiry-based investigation, participants will learn how to collect GLOBE surface temperature data using and IR thermometer.
    • Introduce the GLOBE Observer (GO) app, collect data using GO app, introduce Surface Temperature parameter, collect data from around the center with IR thermometers
    • Overview of GLOBE Goes to Camp program to engage informal education centers in a variety of Earth System Protocols for the purposes of citizen science
  • STELLA
    • Learn remote sensing basics using an interactive game which introduces Landsat imagery and spectral signatures. The benefits of remote sensing and Landsat data will be driven home by taking real-time measurements while getting introduced to the STELLA spectrometer and proper field calibration principles. Apply and further that knowledge by gaining hands-on experience collecting and analyzing spectral data with a STELLA instrument.
      • Build basic understanding of remote sensing, how Landsat works, how we collect data from space, benefits of Landsat
      • Understanding of remote sensing instruments/sensors
      • Opportunity for participants to build own instrument and collect data
  • NASA Earth Science Data Systems
    • Learn how to use NASA Worldview to find and interactively explore over 1000 global, full-resolution satellite imagery layers. Many of the imagery layers are updated daily and are available within three hours of observation - essentially showing the entire Earth as it looks "right now". This is a great tool to complement your citizen science research, as well as other time-critical application areas such as wildfire management, air quality measurements, and flood monitoring.
      • Introduce NASA Worldview as a means to access and visualize Landsat and Surface Temperature parameter imagery, as well as others
      • Highlight other resources available through the Earth Science Data Systems for program development and citizen science activities