Shuttle Press Kit is available online. The student experiment called EarthKAM took 2,715 digital photos of Earth. Earth Science - Earth Science includes the study of atmospheric quality, weather, climate change, vegetation and land use, mineral and food resources and the health of fresh water and oceans. Geography - Geography is a science that deals with the physical, biological, and cultural features of the Earth's surface. Sites that can be referenced from this page offer photographs, lesson plans and activities, and research in the area of geography.
Clouds often hide large areas of the Earth's surface.
But, we can use radar to make detailed maps of Earth right through clouds or darkness. The Space Place website explains that as the Space Shuttle orbits around Earth, radar instruments inside and outside the Shuttle made the most detailed and accurate topographic map ever of almost the whole world during the STS-99 Space Shuttle mission. Make a Topographic Map at the Space Place - Using clay, dental floss, pencils, and other simple materials you will be able to make a simple topographic map. Students as young as lower elementary will have fun with this activity, as well as learn about the physical characteristics of mountains.