STEMM Summer Campers Get eText Introduction

On 13 July, Mr. Todd Simpson from Riverside Research’s Modeling and Application Development Laboratory (MAD Lab) presented a half-day outreach program entitled, “Space Science & Remote Sensing eText Introduction” as part of the 2011 Chaminade Julienne STEMM Gateway Academy Summer Camp. The weeklong event held at Chaminade Julienne High School provides students in grades 7-9 with a sampling of the science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine (STEMM) at work in the Dayton, Ohio region. In addition to remote sensing and space science, students learned about engineering, nanotechnology, DNA isolation, prosthetics, and many other local STEMM professions. “The students were very enthusiastic about using the Analytical Graphics, Inc. (AGI) Systems Tool Kit (STK) Viewer to view real-life mission scenarios,” said Mr. Simpson. “Each of the two dozen students was able to work with AGI Viewer on their own computer to simulate a Border Patrol mission for Southern Arizona.”

The eText Introduction also familiarized students with some of the general topics of remote sensing, including field of view, focal length, resolution, and basic satellite orbitology. Low-Earth, Medium-Earth, Polar, and Geosynchronous-Earth Orbit types were explained and demonstrated using common household objects that linked longer orbital periods to increased orbit altitude. Using foam cups, lengths of string, and washers; students created a simulated orbit. As the string was lengthened, the orbit period of the washer increased, demonstrating the effects of higher orbits on the rotational period of satellites. Students were also able to preview several chapters from Riverside Research’s latest electronic textbook (eText), Remote Sensing: A View through Mechanical Eyes. These chapters covered airborne sensor platforms and various satellite types while illustrating their many uses, including scientific discovery, military operations, and private industry applications. From the students’ responses, the highlight of the program was the Air Hog Helicopter airborne surveillance activity that allowed students to fly a remote controlled helicopter equipped with a video camera. Video and images recorded during the flight were downloaded and shared with the students at the conclusion of their flights. In addition to stabilization issues, this surveillance activity reinforced earlier presented topics such as field of view, focal length and spatial resolution.

More about eTexts:
Riverside Research is responding to the needs of educational, industrial, and governmental organizations by providing training resources and opportunities through our STEM programs. One program of note is our growing library of eTexts. An eText provides all of the materials expected in a traditional textbook in a digital format. With integrated calculators, interactive visualizations, and customizable user interfaces, our eTexts provide a rich and exciting learning experience that is not possible through traditional materials.

Currently available titles from Riverside Research:

• Geodesy: The Dynamic Earth
• Remote Sensing: A View Through Mechanical Eyes

Coming Soon:

• Introduction to Air Traffic Control: Airspace Operations