Photosynthesis Through Satellite"Eyes"

By Virginia Venturini •

Grade Level	10th
Subject Area	Biology
Duration	Two 50-minute instructional periods; one 60-minute period to download images
Setting	Computer lab or classroom with computer
Background Knowledge	Photosynthesis processes
Author	Virginia Venturini

Summary
This activity relates satellite technology to science. A hand-on activity was developed to demonstrate how we assess photosynthesis using satellite imagery. The activity consisted on an introduction, activity presentation and the activity itself. The students get started with the activity presentation. It guides them to see the differences detected by a satellite sensor and write down his/her conclusions.

Objectives
Students will: Describe how chlorophyll uses different lights for photosynthesis. Analyze absorbed and reflected lights by looking at satellite images sensed with green, read, and near infrared sensors.

Ohio Standards
Science Describe how organisms on Earth contribute to the dramatic change in oxygen content of Earth's early atmosphere. Understanding Technology Describe examples of scientific advances and emerging technology and how it may impact the society. Doing Scientific Inquiry Describe how new scientific data can cause existing scientific explanation to be supported, revised or rejected.

Additional Resources
Refer to lesson plans