The Smithsonian Earth From Space Online Exhibition is a collection of learning materials related to satellite and remote sensing. The information is arranged by category: living planet, water and air, structure of the land, the human presence, and satellite technology. Each category has introduction, a section explaining how satellites help us, and related satellite images. There are additional tabs for national tours, lesson plans for grades 5-12, and bibliographic and web resources organized for use by teachers, children, and the general public.
Type of Material:
The material can be considered a collection and reference. It is a collection of materials such as images and websites related to satellites and remote sensing. The website can be classified as reference material because the information is arrange by categories and contains general information, additional texts, website, and a collection of lesson plans.
Recommended Uses:
The website of this online exhibition might be used in class, support home work to extend the learning, small group and whole class projects, independent projects, and lectures to support Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for earth science, physical and human geography and to motivate students to participate in science and Mathematics programs. Various land features, human and other impacts on the planet and the natural elements present in the environment are shown and described. The real life photographs taken from around the world can be shown in class as examples to accompany lessons. The imagery is also stunning enough to be used in an art class. Teachers can draw attention to features such as perspective, texture, color, light and shadow.
Technical Requirements:
Adobe Flash and an internet browser are needed to view material.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Accordingly, the purpose of this website is to showcase the online exhibition of earth from space to explore our planet from the perspective of an orbiting satellite that allow participants to observe oceans , mountains, land surfaces, human activity, and changes in global climates, to name a few of the topics.
Target Student Population:
Middle school and high school students, teachers, and pre-service teachers will find the information useful. The lesson plans are aligned with the national science standards for these grades. Undergraduate science majors and the general public would be also be interested in the information, images and resources presented on the website.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
There are no pre-requisites needed to view the learning material.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The content is valid. References are listed for the content posted on the website. The website is also not difficult to use. The flexibility of the content can be used in various learning environments.
Concerns:
Teachers will need to place the learning objects into the context for their classroom's instructional units. The website's learning materials can not stand on their own.
The lesson plans contain suggested activities and resources but they are not complete. The teacher needs to present the lesson, plan activities, and write assessments.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Several outstanding features were identified. For example, it can build on prior concepts, is entertaining, engaging, and can be easily integrated into curriculum assignments. Also,the content may successfully support teaching and learning.
Concerns:
No learning objectives are listed. However, learning assignments created by the instructor can incorporate materials from this website easily.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The website is visually appealing. There are pictures posted throughout the website. It has a space theme for the background and buttons. Menus and links allow the user to navigate the website with out difficulty. There is a Contact Us link for support at the bottom of the every page for support.
Concerns:
None
Creative Commons:
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