In this Grade 6 Earth Science lesson from Chapter 1: Views of Earth Today, students learn how remote sensing and satellite sensors are used to gather detailed, accurate information about Earth's surface. They explore how geographic data can be displayed in layers to build maps, and experiment with graphing a model that shows how satellites transmit images to Earth. The lesson builds on prior knowledge of topographic maps to introduce key vocabulary including remote sensing, sensors, false-color images, and geographic information systems.
Section 1
Satellites Capture Earth's Features From Above
Remote sensing uses equipment like cameras and satellites to gather information from a distance. Satellites detect energy from Earth's surface, convert it to data, and create detailed images for mapmaking.
Section 2
Scientists Apply Colors to Highlight Environmental Changes
False-color images replace Earth's natural colors with artificial ones to emphasize special features. Fire officials use these images to track wildfires, with different colors representing vegetation, burned areas, and smoke.
Section 3
Computers Layer Information to Create Specialized Maps
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) store and arrange data in layers to create customized maps. These layers combine to help city planners, scientists, and engineers make decisions about land use and environmental changes.
Section 4
Mapmakers Transform Satellite Data Into Useful Images
Satellite sensors collect energy data from Earth and transmit it to computers. The computers convert this data into pixels that form detailed images, helping create accurate maps much faster than traditional methods.
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Section 1
Satellites Capture Earth's Features From Above
Remote sensing uses equipment like cameras and satellites to gather information from a distance. Satellites detect energy from Earth's surface, convert it to data, and create detailed images for mapmaking.
Section 2
Scientists Apply Colors to Highlight Environmental Changes
False-color images replace Earth's natural colors with artificial ones to emphasize special features. Fire officials use these images to track wildfires, with different colors representing vegetation, burned areas, and smoke.
Section 3
Computers Layer Information to Create Specialized Maps
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) store and arrange data in layers to create customized maps. These layers combine to help city planners, scientists, and engineers make decisions about land use and environmental changes.
Section 4
Mapmakers Transform Satellite Data Into Useful Images
Satellite sensors collect energy data from Earth and transmit it to computers. The computers convert this data into pixels that form detailed images, helping create accurate maps much faster than traditional methods.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter