This lesson uses ImageJ to observe images of Earth from space in order to visualize Earth as a system, and also uses the analysis technique of thresholding in order to determine the area of Earth's surface covered by water compared to the area of Earth's surface covered by land.

The Earth images can be found at:
http://visibleearth.nasa.gov/view_rec.php?id=2429

The August Earth image can be found at:
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Newsroom/BlueMarble/BlueMarble_monthlies.html

I have included a file with this post. It is the handout given to students in class. If you cannot access any of this, you can find it all on my teacher webpage:
http://www.bancroftschool.org/page.cfm?p=938

Hi MaryAnn,

Nice job with this lesson! However, the handout you've included makes it more along the lines of what we are expecting at our October meeting. It is a full investigation. Which technique would you like a colleague to try out? Is it OK if they just try out the thresholding part? Or is it more useful to practice setting a scale and making measurements?

We are really just trying to share short "mini-lessons" (that could be part of a larger investigation).

Thanks,---Carla

Thanks Carla.

I guess the more useful would be to practice setting a scale and making masurements, especially when there is no scale on the image!

I've visited your web site and saw the lesson you have prepared; may I say- I learned something from it. I am your student. Thanks.

It is me again, I have seen the comments you posted on Sue's outlet, I am wondering if you could kindly direct me to this tool, "trend line tool' that is. Thanks.

Hello Hassan,

After you have created a scatter plot in Excel, you can go to Chart > Add Trendline...

This tool automatically fits a line in the form of y = mx + b to your scatter plot. You could then use this formula to make predictions about a variable, when given the other variable.

Mary Ann

Nicely done. The question regarding why the Earth is a dynamic system is a great lead in to our planet and all of its geological activities.

Diane

Mary Ann I am humbled I have saced your lesson an d would like to give it a try. In my dreams I would be able to create a Lab a complete. I will let you know if I am able to follow through and do this with my students. Thanks.