News - Mission Earth
My NASA Data Presents: Story Maps for 2020
My NASA Data Presents: Story Maps for 2020
My NASA Data (MND), an Earth Science education project managed from LaRC’s Science Directorate (a partner with GLOBE Mission Earth), has recently featured an innovative way to engage students in NASA Earth data...story maps. A story map is a cloud-based lesson that engages the learner in interactive geospatial maps using NASA data, and other multimedia content, text, and tasks that can be seamlessly incorporated in classroom instruction. This immersive technology eliminates the need for the user to move among tricky interfaces to access and visualize Earth science data, and no special software is required to be downloaded. Each story map features NASA Earth data and includes a variety of data visualization tools (e.g. Earth System Data Explorer, WorldView, and others). The story map integrates data from different NASA satellite missions, retrieved from the Distributed Active Archive Centers (DAACs), including the Atmospheric Science Data Center at NASA Langley Research Center. Story maps also employ data analysis tools, such as time series options and swipe tools that allow learners to view and analyze relationships between scientific variables.
MND has produced three story maps that each feature a lesson plan and supporting resources for smooth integration in the classroom with three new ones planned to be released in early 2020.
- Hurricanes as Heat Engines
- Creation of Urban Heat Islands
- Sea Ice Extent and the Earth System Volcanic Eruptions
- Phytoplankton Distribution
Each geospatial resource is developed by the MND team featuring a GIS programming specialist, a lead scientist, and educational specialist/s to ensure the context, content, and methods are scientifically and educationally sound. The MND story maps are written for middle and high school science teachers and students as they connect with the Earth Systems Science phenomena featured in the Next Generation Science Standards. They are also written in the 5E format internationally recognized as best practice based on how children learn science. The supplementary lesson plan is available on the My NASA Data website. For more information, visit My NASA Data (https://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov/).
Questions? Comments?
Reach out to Elizabeth Joyner, elizabeth.r.joyner@nasa.gov