Introduction:

Satellite imagery allow us to expand our perspective on planet Earth. Satellite technology allows scientists to make critical decisions about conservation, track patterns of species movement, and better understand how species interact with each other. Students will watch two short video segments from Life From Above. In these clips, we see satellite imagery showing two elephant populations struggling to survive for different reasons. After watching the videos, use the discussion questions to encourage students to think about how satellites and satellite imagery can improve efforts to track populations and make critical conservation decisions.

Essential/Guiding Questions: 

• What are some ways we can track movements of large population of animals? 
• Why might satellites be preferable to track and tag methods for monitoring the number of species or organisms in an area? 
• How can studying species movements and behavior patterns help us more thoughtfully plan our designs for farms, roads, or houses? 
• How can satellite imagery be used by scientists to sustain biodiversity?

About the Author: Sebastian Byers teaches Earth and Environmental Science, AP Biology and AP Environmental Science. He is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and received his teaching certification from UNC Charlotte. He obtained his Masters in Educational Leadership from Queens University of Charlotte and is a Master Teacher Trainer with UNCTV. He is a 2018 PBS Digital Innovator All-Star and has co-hosted multiple Virtual Professional Learning Series with PBS.