Teaching remote sensing techniques with high-quality, low-cost sensors [Education]

As a versatile and multidisciplinary area of scientific research with diverse applications for everyday life, satellite remote sensing presents a particularly suitable context for science education. In this article, we give a short overview of how self-acquired infrared remote sensing data can be applied in individual remote sensing projects conducted by high school students in their own environments. We conducted a joint pilot project with students from Beer-Sheva, Israel, and Munich, Germany. The students were tasked with acquiring and analyzing remote sensing measurements in the field. The educational program was evaluated through a questionnaire and by observing the students. Our analysis of 32 student projects showed that the educational program fostered a variety of important science competencies, and the students thought the program was interesting and meaningful.