In this activity, students create colour images from satellite data. This allows them to study how different surfaces reflect different wavelengths of light, how coloured images are created using an RGB model, and how band combinations can be chosen to examine a particular landscape effectively.

This activity involves perspective, modelling, light and shadow. Close up photographs of the Moon’s surface show all sorts of interesting features. Craters are amongst the most interesting, especially when the Sun’s light grazes low across the lunar landscape. The aim of the exercise is to recreate a realistic...

This lesson, from the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), looks in particular at how infrared data is collected and used to measure changes in global temperature. Infrared radiation is part of the electromagnetic spectrum of light which has uses in astronomy, communications, surveillance and medicine...

For the g-forces activity pupils will be able to discuss how astronauts use forces to simulate the effect of launch and landing on their bodies, when preparing to go into space. The pupils look at the forces on a ball at the end of a piece of elastic and discuss the forces on an Astronaut in a centrifuge. For the...

NASA’s Mars exploration rovers Spirit and Opportunity were sent to the planet to investigate its geology. Accurate images of the surface were needed so that possible areas to investigate could be selected and then the rover directed towards them. The cameras on board the rovers can only record black and white...

This activity allows students to investigate how images are produced from data streams by using first a spreadsheet and then an image-processing program. They then go on to see how the usefulness of such a monochromatic image may be enhanced by using lookup tables and calibration. The materials used focus on the...

These activities, produced by Gatsby Science Enhancement Programme, help students to categorise different types of visual representations.

Students are given a large number of different visual representations dealing with a range of scientific subjects. Through a 'happy families-style' card-game, students...

Produced by Gatsby Science Enhancement Programme, this activity is designed to have students study a visual representation in detail. Students are asked to look consider components that include:
* the title
* its content
* information the students have gathered from the visual
*...

Produced by Gatsby Science Enhancement Programme, this activity provides students with a colour-coded map of the world. Students must try and interpret the visual representation.

A series of images gradually give more information, and finally a legend, which allows students to fully understand the image....

In this activity pupils will be able to discuss various ways of simulating gravity in space and the importance for maintaining a healthy body for the return to Earth. Working in teams of four, pupils should choose their favourite exercise or sport and adapt it for space. They should identify the forces required for...