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Pixels on Fire

Provided by: CLEAN |Published on: November 27, 2023

Lesson Plans Grades 6-8, 3-5

Synopsis

In this lesson, students will examine how NASA remotely detects wildfires from space, how they display satellite data about the Earth's climate, and information about three Californian wildfires of the 21st century.
Students will engage in a classroom activity that is hands-on and informative, complete a worksheet that gauges their comprehension of the lesson's material, and explore interactive media that provides a deeper understanding of how NASA monitors the Earth's climate.
Students will study data from the Powerhouse Fire in Los Angeles, the Rim Fire in Northern California, and the July Complex Fire in Northern California.

Related Teaching Resources

Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, Mathematics

Authors: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Region: North America, USA - West, United States, California

Languages: English

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Teaching Materials

Positives

This lesson allows students to use their mobile devices productively.
The materials in this lesson are easy to obtain.

Additional Prerequisites

Internet access is required to administer this lesson.
Students must work in groups of 2-4 to complete the lesson.
The Eyes on Earth app has changed since the instructions in the resource were written. Explore the tool before guiding students through the activity.

Differentiation

To assess prior knowledge, the class can discuss satellites and their purposes.
This lesson can fit within a larger unit on human efforts to monitor climate change.
This lesson can enhance a classroom discussion on the increased frequency of wildfires in the past 20 years, why this increase is happening, and the impacts of wildfires on the environment.
Students in language arts classes can read narratives about those who experienced wildfires.
Some students may struggle to hold the mobile device consistently level and at the same height. These students may benefit from a stand, tripod, or other assistance.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

Standards

Resource Type and Format

About the Partner Provider

CLEAN

The CLEAN Network is a professionally diverse community of over 630 members committed to improving climate and energy literacy locally, regionally, nationally, and globally in order to enable responsible decisions and actions. The CLEAN Network has been a dynamic group since 2008 and is now led by the CLEAN Leadership Board established in 2016.