Mission+Cloud+Watch

Mission Cloud Watch CloudSat Satellite "Ground-Truth" Program for Students Involve students with a minimum time commitment, in "Ground-Truthing" for the CloudSat Satellite Mission. It is a joint venture between NASA and the Canadian Space Agency. No technical or scientific background is necessary.
 * help atmospheric scientists pave the way toward meeting the challenge of improving understanding of our home planet, Earth.
 * make learning about the water cycle, clouds, weather and satellites fun and easy!

When CloudSat overpasses their school, students are asked to observe and record the clouds above their school as well as the current temperature and precipitation. These "Ground-Truthing" observations are sent via the Internet to mission scientists for comparison to what CloudSat has observed from space. Data collected helps validate CloudSat's images that are used to develop a better understanding on how clouds form, evolve and impact our changing climate and the Earth's freshwater budget.

"Mission Cloud Watch" is an opportunity for students from Grade 4 and up to be Citizen Scientists by participating in a current space mission. It fits well into both science ducation and social studies citizenship development or can be used as a special project for students or school clubs. Participating teachers receive a teacher's manual, web page connections, student inquiry activities and email support.

Teachers interested in participating call SEEDS at: 1-800-661-8751 or email bbatycky@shaw.ca.