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Module 3: Human footprints on Earth as seen by NASA scientists

This module draws upon NASA images and research to introduce students to the various ways humans interact with Earth's diverse environments. Many human activities are clearly visible from space through satellite imagery. Remotely sensed images help people understand Earth as the home for humanity. We can learn a great deal about physical and human processes by analyzing remotely sensed images.

The human footprint on Earth's surface is barely perceptible in some areas whereas it is very intense and highly noticable in others. We cannot detect the effects of some environmental changes without the use of powerful technologies, and some remain invisible even on photography and satellite imagery. For example, some forms of air pollution cannot be seen even though they affect people's health. Interpretation of imagery relies heavily on visual cues, but excludes other sensory information such as sounds and odors.

The investigations in this module begin with an examination of the spatial and environmental aspects of a shopping mall in Huntsville, Alabama. Next, comes a study of Atlanta's urban heat island and the consequences of urban deforestation. Then students are asked to consider significant environmental changes in different parts of the world. Deforestation in Rondonia, Brazil, provides a case study of a major environmental change.

The investigations in the module proceed from the local to the global scale. This sequence allows students to apply what they learn to environmental change at different scales.

Investigation 1
Let's go to the mall

Investigation 2
What's hot at the mall?

Investigation 3
Why is the city hot?

Investigation 4
Where in the world are major environmental changes?