Click on Frame, Inform, Explore, Try, or Support above to view the detailed lesson plan.

Download a detailed version of this lesson plan in a (pdf) or (word) format file.
[Note: download Adobe Acrobat Reader here]

Lesson context:  This lesson plan provides an overall context for KaAMS. First, it provides the students with an authentic and motivating problem to investigate. Second, it provides an explanation of the final project expectations for this series of lesson plans. Third, it prompts students to begin the process of exploring the overall problem by having them develop an understanding of key concepts in airborne remote sensing. Finally, it provides students with a framework for being scientists who "do" science rather than just learning about science. 

Key science concepts:

• Definition of aeronautics: science (or action) dealing with the operation of aircraft and flight vehicles within the planet's atmosphere

• Definition of remote sensing: acquisition of information about an object, without being in physical contact with that object

• Definition of airborne remote sensing: the use of aircraft to house remote sensing instruments during data collection missions

Links to teacher resources:

• On-line remote sensing tutorial
• On-line aeronautics textbook
• Information on Kilauea

Problems addressed in this lesson:

• What is airborne remote sensing?
• What problem are we investigating?
• Why use airborne remote sensing as opposed to satellite remote sensing?

Activity bursts:

• Review the mission request letter
• Explore information on remote sensing
• Read Mark Twain's description of Hawaii (optional)
• Read Mark Twain's journey to Kilauea (optional) 

Links to other resources: