GOES-R Education Proving Ground and Teachers Workshop Report

The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-R Series (GOES-R) is the nation’s next generation of geostationary weather satellites. GOES-R satellites will greatly improve the detection and observation of environmental phenomena that directly affect our nation’s safety, property, and economy. Advanced imaging with increased spatial and temporal resolution, plus real-time mapping of lightning activity, and enhanced monitoring of solar activity are highpoints of instrument improvements on GOES-R. GOES-R also provides unique educational opportunities in K-12 classrooms. Incorporating satellites, remote sensing, image analysis and weather/weather forecasting, through the GOES-R lens, enables teachers to bring authentic, STEM based, Next Generation Science Standards learning to students of all ages.

This presentation will focus on the GOES-R Education Proving Ground Network and associated resources. The Education Proving Ground features the design and development of pre-and post-launch lesson plans and activities for pre-college teachers and students.  It consists of a core group of educators working with the University of Wisconsin, Cooperative Institute of Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) Education & Outreach staff. In addition, Education Proving Ground members include NOAA scientists at the Advanced Satellite Products Branch (ASPB) at CIMSS. Included in this presentation will be highlights of the GOES-R Teachers Workshop held in November 2016 at Kennedy Space Center, concurrent with the GOES-R launch.