Extensions and Enrichment

1. Form small groups. Assign a recorder for each group. Ask students to list and discuss environmental problems that are likely to be undetected by satellite images and environmental problems that are likely to be detected using satellite imagery. They should compare the lists in the small groups to identify the characteristics of environmental problems that are visible and those that are not visible using satellite imagery. (Examples include various forms of air pollution and some of the effects of acid rain on soils and water bodies.)

2. Ask students to develop and present a report on a recent news item from a newspaper, newmagazine, television program or Internet source concerning an environmental problem. Examples of significant environmental problems may include destruction of tropical rainforests, depletion of the ozone layer in Earth's atmosphere, persistent droughts in different regions on Earth, pollution of air, rivers, oceans, contamination of drinking water by widespread misuse of chemicals, disposal of radioactive wastes from nuclear power plants and other uses of nuclear materials. Written and oral reports and posters for display may be developed.

Have you used this investigation?
How did you extend this investigation? Share your enrichment ideas with other teachers! Email your suggestions to Sarah Bednarz.