Remote Sensing (RS) is the science of obtaining information about objects or areas from a distance, typically from aircrafts or satellites, whereas Earth Observation (EO) refers to the use of remote sensing technologies to monitor land, marine areas (seas, rivers, lakes) and the atmosphere. In this e-module, teachers will learn some basic terminology and concepts associated with RS/EO to gain the confidence needed for implementing activities in class. A range of freely available tools and resources are used to highlight the power of remote sensing for gaining an understanding of processes and factors that impact our lives. RS/EO are crucial in education for fostering environmental awareness, geospatial literacy, and interdisciplinary learning. They enable students to analyse real-world data, understand global challenges like climate change, and develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Accessible tools and data prepare students for careers in geospatial technologies and encourage data-driven decision-making. By integrating RS/EO, education inspires innovation, supports citizen science, and equips learners to address pressing environmental and societal issues.
The overall themes
- Learn basic terminology and concepts associated to RS/EO
- Learn what RS/EO is and how it can be used as a powerful educational tool to increase environmental awareness, geospatial literacy, and interdisciplinary learning;
- Be introduced to simple tools to access, visualise, and download RS/EO data;
- Learn how RS/EO relate to sustainability challenges, help make decisions and solve real-world problems;
- Learn how to find ready-made activities and lesson plans incorporating RS/EO into Education for Sustainable Development (ESD);
- Get ideas to transform your classroom and your school into a GEO-Lab using problem and challenge-based co-design educational approaches.
Learning Objectives based on the Unified Competence Framework
- Systems Thinking under the lens of Spatial Complexity and the leveraging of Digital Tools and Information Systems
1.1 Framing Sustainability in its Spatial Complexity with the aid of Digital Technologies - Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving for Sustainability Challenges
2.1 Develop and Implement Spatial Problem-Solving Strategies that value Sustainability
2.2 Creatively Use Digital Technologies, Information Systems, and Spatial Data to Tackle Sustainability Issues - Spatial Information Management and Digital Literacy to reach Sustainability Goals
3.1 Critical Consumption and Interpretation of Spatial and Digital Information
3.2 Collect, Analyze, and Visualize Geospatial Data for Informed Decision-Making - Collaborative Use of Digital and Geospatial Tools for ESD Community Projects
4.1 Collaborative Use of Digital and Geospatial Tools for Community Projects
4.2 Communicating Sustainability Concepts Effectively
