Investigation 2: How does remote sensing help us to observe human activities on Earth?

Landscapes that are influenced by human activities are found nearly everywhere on Earth. In this investigation, students use remotely sensed images to identify features of New Orleans, Louisiana. Using two different remote sensing techniques, a space shuttle hand-held camera photograph and a space shuttle radar image, students compare and contrast the features of each image. Further, they discover the advantages of remote sensing and why it is a valuable tool for learning geography. Students identify the following features on each image: human systems, features created by humans to adapt to their environment; surrounding natural features that are a positive influence on human systems; and surrounding natural features that are a negative influence on human systems.

5-8 Module 2 Investigation 2 in .pdf format

Investigation 2 Student Materials in .pdf format