This series of ten lessons has been developed to teach students about local and global water issues. They are based on NASA’s Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission. The activities are done largely outdoors and include scientific data... (View More) collection and analysis and integrate technology. Many of the lessons involve data collected based on protocols from the GLOBE Program. Each lesson is designed to take one hour; the lessons build on each other, but can also be used independently. Each lesson topic includes a lesson plan, PowerPoint presentation, student capture sheet and capture sheet answer guide. (View Less)

This activity includes a presentation with links to videos about scientists and engineers working with NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement Mission (from the Faces of GPM series), as well as other STEM careers videos, followed by a number of... (View More) links to online career resources. It is designed to be used by students working at their own pace, choosing which videos and links they are interested in watching and exploring, but could also be used with a larger group. As part of the activity, students identify personal skills and abilities related to career interests and develop a career goal. Includes a student capture sheet with guiding questions. (View Less)

This article describes the the effects of salt and heat on water and its movements. The accompanying game requires the manipulation of those two variables to create water currents leading to a treasure chest. A second article briefly describes six... (View More) relevant NASA satellite missions. The article is targeted to children ages 10-12. (View Less)

A brief article on the role satellites play in studying weather introduces the topic featured in the accompanying game. The game requires players to move tiles to re-create a photo of Earth or space weather. Additional photographs show three weather... (View More) features. The article and game are targeted to children ages 10-12. (View Less)

When New England was hit by Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, there was not a satellite monitoring tropical storms that far north; the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) was operating in a band between the 35-degree latitudes. The Global... (View More) Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission will change that. GPM will build upon TRMM's capacity by examining a larger swath of Earth with instruments that are more advanced and more sensitive. This video introduces the GPM satellite, its instruments and their capabilities. (View Less)

This article describes the work being done by scientists to determine the origin of water found in Earth's oceans. A supplemental exploration of the Herschel Space Observatory is included. The article is targeted to children ages 10-12.

This article defines and describes science. A sample experiment outlining the investigation of the autumnal color change of maple leaves is included. The article is targeted to children ages 10-12.

This video provides a glimpse into the snowfall research planned as part of the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission. GPM Deputy Project Scientist, Gail Skofronick-Jackson, reveals the capabilities of the satellite's new sensors, which,... (View More) through increased sensitivity, will help to overcome the challenges associated with measuring snowfall from space. (View Less)

This interactive visualization illustrates changes in Earth's climate. Manipulate a sliding timeline to view the impacts on our planet of four climate related variables: sea ice, sea levels, carbon emissions, and average global temperatures.

This article explains the role of the tilt of Earth's axis on seasonal changes. An accompanying exploration dispels the commonly held misconception that distances between the sun and Earth are a factor. The article is targeted to children ages 10-12.