Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Prepare the relevant maps, diagrams, photographs or charts before the lesson. Emphasise satellite remote sensing, applications and relationship with gis, and require accurate interpretation of places, processes and spatial relationships; supervise map and diagram work carefully. By the end, students should be able to explain the principal geographical ideas and apply them to maps, diagrams or real situations.
Class: Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3 / SSS 3)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 8
Age: 17 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Geography
Curriculum Theme: Geography
Previous Lesson: Climate Change, Desertification, Flooding, Drought and Solutions
Topic: Satellites Remote Sensing
Subject Matter: Definition of remote sensing, definition of satellite, meaning of satellite remote sensing, examples of satellites, applications of satellite remote sensing, and the relationship between GIS and remote sensing
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- Define remote sensing.
- Define a satellite.
- Explain the meaning of satellite remote sensing.
- Identify examples of various satellites.
- List applications of satellite remote sensing in different sectors.
- Describe the relationship between GIS and remote sensing.
Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the importance of satellite remote sensing in modern society.
- Show interest in the use of technology for geographical data collection.
- Participate actively in class discussions regarding the applications of remote sensing.
Psychomotor Domain:
- Analyze simple satellite images to identify geographical features.
- Interpret basic information derived from satellite data.
Social Domain:
- Collaborate with peers to discuss and understand complex concepts.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- FCT-ERC SS 3 Scheme of Work, September 2014 curriculum.
- Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work.
- A suitable Geography textbook for SS 3.
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Slides illustrating remote sensing concepts.
- Satellite images showing different geographical features.
- Multimedia CD on satellites and their operations.
- Posters displaying satellite types and applications.
- Map samples that integrate satellite data.
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps students understand how technology, specifically satellites, is used to gather information about the Earth without direct contact. Understanding remote sensing enables students to appreciate its role in various aspects of daily life, such as weather forecasting, communication, and environmental monitoring.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Students have basic knowledge of maps, data collection, and general geographical concepts.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Satellites Remote Sensing
Definition of Remote Sensing
Remote sensing is the science and art of obtaining information about an object, area, or phenomenon through the analysis of data acquired by a device that is not in physical contact with the object, area, or phenomenon under investigation.
Definition of Satellite
A satellite is an object that orbits a planet or star. In the context of remote sensing, satellites are artificial objects launched into space to orbit the Earth, carrying sensors to collect data about the Earth’s surface and atmosphere.
Meaning of Satellite Remote Sensing
Satellite remote sensing involves the use of artificial satellites equipped with various sensors to collect data (images, electromagnetic radiation) from the Earth’s surface and atmosphere without direct physical contact. This data is then transmitted to ground stations for processing and analysis to gain information about geographical features, land cover, weather patterns, and more.
Examples of Satellites
Some examples of satellites used for remote sensing include:
- NigeriaSat-1 (Nigerian Earth observation satellite)
- IKONOS (High-resolution commercial Earth observation satellite)
- SPOT (Satellite Pour l’Observation de la Terre – French Earth observation satellite)
- RADAR (Radio Detection And Ranging – uses radio waves for remote sensing)
- NIGCOMSAT-1 (Nigerian Communication Satellite – primarily for telecommunications, but also has remote sensing capabilities)
- ERS-1 (European Remote Sensing Satellite – for ocean, ice, and land observation)
Applications of Satellite Remote Sensing
Satellite remote sensing has numerous applications across various sectors. The following are key applications:
- Forestry: Monitoring deforestation, forest fires, forest health, and timber inventory.
- Agriculture: Crop yield prediction, monitoring crop health, irrigation management, and mapping soil types.
- Telecommunication: Facilitating global communication, television broadcasting, and internet services through communication satellites.
- Transportation: Navigational aids for ships and aircraft, traffic monitoring, and mapping road networks.
- Emergency Response: Disaster monitoring (floods, earthquakes, tsunamis), damage assessment, and guiding relief efforts.
- Urban Planning: Mapping urban growth, infrastructure development, and land-use planning.
- Environmental Monitoring: Tracking pollution, climate change effects, and monitoring natural resources.
Relationship between GIS and Remote Sensing
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing are closely related and often used together in geographical analysis:
- Data Source: Remote sensing provides the raw data (e.g., satellite images, aerial photographs) which is a primary input for GIS.
- Data Integration: GIS is used to store, manage, analyze, and display the spatial data acquired through remote sensing.
- Analysis and Visualization: While remote sensing collects data, GIS provides the tools to process, analyze, and visualize this data in a map-based environment, allowing for deeper insights and decision-making.
- Complementary Tools: Remote sensing helps in creating and updating spatial databases, while GIS helps in interpreting and making sense of the remotely sensed data in a geographical context.
Illustrative Examples and Applications
- Weather satellites record cloud systems over large areas without direct contact with the Earth’s surface.
- Satellite images can reveal changes in vegetation, settlement growth, water bodies and land use.
- Remote-sensing data can be entered into GIS and combined with roads, population or administrative-boundary layers.
Quick Revision Table
| Area | Key Point |
|---|---|
| Definition of Remote Sensing | Remote sensing is the science and art of obtaining information about an object, area, or phenomenon through the analysis of data acquired by a… |
| Definition of Satellite | A satellite is an object that orbits a planet or star. In the context of remote sensing, satellites are artificial objects launched into space to… |
| Meaning of Satellite Remote Sensing | Satellite remote sensing involves the use of artificial satellites equipped with various sensors to collect data (images, electromagnetic… |
| Examples of Satellites | Some examples of satellites used for remote sensing and communication include: NigeriaSat-1 IKONOS SPOT (Satellite Pour l’Observation de la Terre)… |
| Applications of Satellite Remote Sensing | Satellite remote sensing has numerous applications across various sectors. The following are key applications: Forestry: Monitoring deforestation,… |
| Relationship between GIS and Remote Sensing | Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing are closely related and often used together in geographical analysis: Data Source: Remote… |
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction and Recall
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to recall how they get information about distant places or events, such as weather forecasts or news from other countries. The teacher then introduces the topic of satellite remote sensing as a way of gathering such information.
Students’ Activity: Students respond to the questions and listen to the introduction of the new topic.
Learning Point: Prior remote sensing knowledge.
Step 2: Definition of Remote Sensing and Satellite
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the definitions of "remote sensing" and "satellite" using simple language and visual aids like slides. The teacher ensures students understand that remote sensing involves collecting data without physical contact.
Students’ Activity: Students listen attentively, ask questions for clarification, and copy definitions into their notes.
Learning Point: Meaning of remote sensing.
Step 3: Meaning of Satellite Remote Sensing and Examples
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher combines the two definitions to explain the meaning of "satellite remote sensing." The teacher then provides examples of different satellites, such as NigeriaSat-1, IKONOS, and NIGCOMSAT-1, showing images where possible.
Students’ Activity: Students listen, observe the images, and identify the names of various satellites mentioned. They also copy the meaning and examples.
Learning Point: Meaning of remote sensing.
Step 4: Applications of Satellite Remote Sensing
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Enumeration/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on the various applications of satellite remote sensing. The teacher highlights applications in forestry, agriculture, telecommunication, transportation, and emergency response, encouraging students to give their own examples.
Students’ Activity: Students participate in the discussion, contribute examples, and note down the key applications discussed.
Learning Point: Remote sensing practical application.
Step 5: Relationship between GIS and Remote Sensing
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Connecting Concepts
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing are complementary tools. The teacher clarifies that remote sensing provides the data which GIS then processes, analyzes, and displays.
Students’ Activity: Students listen and note the key points about the relationship between GIS and remote sensing.
Learning Point: Relationship between GIS Remote.
Step 6: Application and Reinforcement
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Application/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher connects remote sensing to a relevant Nigerian, African or world example already within the lesson scope and asks students to explain the relationship.
Students’ Activity: Students apply the lesson concepts to the example and state the geographical evidence supporting their explanation.
Learning Point: Remote sensing practical application.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- What is remote sensing?
- Define a satellite.
- Mention two examples of satellites used for remote sensing.
- List three applications of satellite remote sensing.
- Briefly explain the relationship between GIS and remote sensing.
Students’ Activity: Students answer orally and in writing, showing working or giving examples where the lesson requires it.
Learning Point: Remote sensing skills assessed.
Step 8: Note-Taking
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Writing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to copy the essential Board Summary on remote sensing into their notebooks, drawing attention to the key rules, examples, diagrams or distinctions already taught.
Students’ Activity: Students copy the essential notes carefully into their notebooks and correct any errors in their earlier work.
Learning Point: Remote sensing notes recorded.
Step 9: Conclusion
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement/Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of satellite remote sensing in modern geography and daily life. The teacher also assigns homework related to researching specific satellite missions.
Students’ Activity: Students listen to the summary.
Learning Point: Remote sensing concepts consolidated.
Continuous Assessment/Further Study
Type: Homework / Map Work
Instruction: Complete the following tasks using the Board Summary, relevant maps or diagrams, and examples from the lesson.
- Prepare a one-page revision note on Definition of Remote Sensing, using at least two examples from the Board Summary.
- Draw a labelled diagram, sketch or outline map that illustrates Definition of Satellite where appropriate, and add a short explanation.
- Construct a two-column table comparing key points from Definition of Satellite and Meaning of Satellite Remote Sensing.
- Use a Nigerian, African or world example within the lesson scope to explain Examples of Satellites.
- Write one examination-style paragraph explaining an important relationship or application in remote sensing.
Lesson Keywords
- Remote Sensing – The process of gathering information about an object or area without making physical contact.
- Satellite – An artificial object orbiting the Earth, used for data collection or communication.
- Sensor – A device on a satellite that collects data about the Earth’s surface.
- GIS (Geographic Information System) – A system for capturing, storing, analyzing, and managing geographical data.
- NigeriaSat-1 – One of Nigeria’s Earth observation satellites.
- NIGCOMSAT-1 – Nigeria’s communication satellite.
Differentiation
The teacher will provide additional visual aids and simplified explanations for students who may be struggling with the concepts. Advanced students will be encouraged to research specific satellite technologies and their impacts, and to present their findings to the class.
Suggested Lesson Videos
Search YouTube for Satellite Remote Sensing, Applications and Relationship with GIS Geography SS 3
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