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ASSIGNMENT
Choose from the following three ….
- Download one of the satellite tracking smartphone apps: Satellite Tracker or Orbitrack Alternatively, you can use one of the Satellite tracking websites.
List 5 satellites that have passed Ireland recently. Post this on the discussion and talk about what these satellites are doing (150 words). - Study the EO BROWSER ‘step by step’ guide AND the EO Browser Tutorial, give an ‘elevator pitch ‘ on the EO Browser to a colleague who never heard of it and discuss how you would use it in class (150 words)
- Download the Teacher Guide & Pupil Activities for the ESA Resource ‘ Nose High Up in The Sky, carry out the pupil activities yourself and post your thoughts on the resource and if you would use it in class. (150 words)
Please also comment on at least one other participant’s post
- Download one of the satellite tracking smartphone apps: Satellite Tracker or Orbitrack Alternatively, you can use one of the Satellite tracking websites.
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Number 2 – The EO Browser is a free, user-friendly online tool that gives access to real satellite imagery from the European Space Agency. It allows users to explore and analyse Earth’s surface using real-time and historical data from satellites like Sentinel-2. With just a few clicks, you can view changes in land use, vegetation, water bodies, and urban development over time. It’s an incredible way to visualize environmental changes and the impact of climate change globally and locally.
In the classroom, I’d use the EO Browser to teach students how to interpret satellite data and connect it to real-world issues—like deforestation, wildfires, or melting glaciers. Students could compare images over time and present their findings in reports or presentations. It integrates STEM skills by combining science, technology, and data analysis. It also supports critical thinking as students draw conclusions from visual evidence, making abstract environmental concepts more concrete and engaging.
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I also think this is a very useful resource Colin. It is very easy to use and would really captivate students in my opinion. I think the activity you suggested is very interesting and engaging. It is also connected to real life issues. Critical thinking is clearly efficent which will benefit children’s learning.
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I agree that the EO Browser is an amazing resource. Use of this browser could be incorporated into geography lessons. To be able to download satellite images, to interpret satellite data and to relate this data to features of climate change is amazing.
We have time-tabled iPad & chromebook lessons. What a great resource to have!
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I agree Colin using the EO Browser in the classroom is an excellent way to engage students in real-world applications of science and technology. By interpreting satellite data, students not only develop their data analysis skills but also gain a deeper understanding of pressing environmental issues like deforestation, wildfires, and climate change. This approach promotes critical thinking, as students analyze and compare images over time, drawing conclusions from visual evidence. The integration of STEM skills enhances both their scientific knowledge and technological literacy, making complex environmental concepts more tangible and relevant to their daily lives.
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The ESA resource “Nose High Up in the Sky” is part of the European Space Agency’s Education program, designed to introduce younger students to the basics of Earth observation, satellites, and atmospheric science in a fun, engaging way. The Teacher Guide provides structured lesson plans and background information. The Pupil Activities include hands-on exercises and experiments using household materials, satellite images, and drawing/matching tasks to teach children about how satellites can detect things like air pollution and other invisible gases in the atmosphere.
I really liked Activity 1: What Can Satellites See?. Pupils examine satellite images and learn to identify visible vs. invisible phenomena. This activity is great, it opens a discussion about different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. I’d print large satellite images or use an interactive whiteboard for this.
Activity 2: Smelling the Air (Using the Nose!). Simulate satellite “sniffing” by smelling jars with different scents and guessing what’s inside. This is a Fun, sensory-based activity. It directly connects how we “detect” smells to how satellites detect gases.
These activities are very useful in the classroom as they are well-structured, hands-on and sensory tasks, which help engage pupils. -
I downloaded the Nose High Up in the Sky teacher guide and student workbook as I thought the children would love working through this resource. I also like the activities you mentioned in your post, what satellites can see and smelling the air. Very simple doable activities which the children will find fun and engaging. They are very easy to connect with the concept too. I will definitely use this resource next year.
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That’s a fantastic way to bring real-world environmental issues into the classroom! Using EO Browser not only makes climate change more visible and relatable for students, but also builds key STEM and analytical skills. I love how it encourages critical thinking through interpretation of satellite data—such a powerful and engaging learning tool.
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I also agree that the EO Browser is a great resource and with how tech savy the pupils are nowadays I really don’t feel they would have any trouble using it. I think it is great to track glaciers, land sea-levels etc and how they are changing over time. Another great resource to get the concepts of climate change across in a visual and engaging way. Could be used as part of green school presentations etc
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2 EO BROWSER
EO Broswer is an application available online that provides free access to a vast array of satellite imagery in different formats.
Users can explore and analyse Earth’s surface using real-time and historical data from a range of satellites. You can view changes of all kinds over time.
Images can be downloaded and saved for future use. Current and archived images can be accessed. It is an incredible resource. Using archived imagery, and comparing those images with current ones, changes can be observed and discusssed. What a cool way to visualize environmental changes and the impact of climate change globally and locally.
I would use the EO Browser with my class to support STEM lessons in the classroom. Use of images downloaded can, of course, be used as a prompt to start discussion on various aspects of climate change and the effects on people, places and on our environments.
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I couldn’t agree more, EO Browser really is an incredible tool for bringing climate change to life in the classroom. Being able to show pupils actual satellite images of environmental changes over time makes the learning so much more concrete. I also like your idea of using the images as discussion prompts. It’s a great way to spark curiosity and link geography, science, and technology meaningfully.
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I have reviewed the ESA resource ‘Nose High Up in The Sky,’ including the teacher guide and pupil activities. The activities are engaging and well-structured, encouraging students to explore the properties of the atmosphere and the role of weather balloons. As I carried out the activities, I found them effective in fostering curiosity, scientific inquiry, and understanding of how scientists gather atmospheric data. The hands-on approach, such as simulating balloon experiments, helps make abstract concepts more tangible for learners. I believe this resource is highly suitable for classroom use, especially for promoting experiential learning and critical thinking about weather, climate, and science careers. To enhance the activities, I would add more opportunities for students to design their own experiments or explore real-world applications of atmospheric data. Overall, this resource is a valuable tool for making STEM concepts accessible and exciting for pupils.
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Hi Diarmaid,
I also found the ‘Nose High Up in The Sky’ a very useful tool to use in the classroom. I think the lessons are very applicable to all classes. It makes complex atmospheric science accessible and engaging for students. The balloon experiments will certainly capture the student’s imagination and curiosity. I really liked your idea of creating more opportunities for students to design their own experiments. Encouraging this kind of student-led inquiry would definitely deepen engagement and foster creativity, while also connecting classroom learning to real-world scientific practices.
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Encouraging the children to create their own weather experiments helps them learn by doing and makes the topic more interesting. For example, they could observe cloud cover by noting the types of clouds they see, estimating how much of the sky is covered, and recording changes throughout the day. These activities provide direct experiences with real weather data, helping them understand how weather works while building their observation and measuring skills.
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Thanks for sharing your insights—I completely agree with your assessment of ‘Nose High Up in The Sky’. The structure and pacing of the activities really do support a deeper understanding of atmospheric science, and I also found the hands-on elements, especially the balloon simulation, to be a brilliant way to make abstract ideas more relatable.
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Hi Diarmuid, I completely agree that the Nose High Up in the Sky is a fantastic resource that really brings science to life for students. The hands-on activities make complex ideas much easier to understand, and I love how it sparks curiosity about how scientists study the atmosphere. Adding opportunities for students to design their own experiments is a great idea and would take the learning even further. It’s definitely a valuable and engaging STEM resource for the classroom.
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Hi Diarmaid,
I agree wholeheartedly with your assessment of the ESA resource ‘Nose High up in the Sky.’ In my experience, students always respond better to hands-on learning experiences. This fosters a deeper insight into their knowledge of the subject area being taught. Learning a new concept can be extremely abstract for young children and as such it is vital to bring new learning to life and relate it to the lives of children.
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Elevator Pitch:
EO Browser is a powerful, user-friendly online tool that lets you explore up-to-date satellite imagery from multiple Earth observation missions all in one place. It offers easy access to high-resolution images and data about land, water, vegetation, and atmosphere, helping users visualise environmental changes over time without needing advanced technical skills. It can be used to track deforestation, monitor urban growth, or study weather patterns. EO Browser makes complex satellite data accessible and interactive for anyone.Using EO Browser in the Classroom:
I would use EO Browser to bring real-world Earth science and geography concepts to life. The children could investigate local environmental changes by comparing satellite images from different dates, analyse effects of natural disasters, or monitor vegetation health. It deepens their understanding of remote sensing, climate change, and human impact on the planet.-
Hi Sinead
Welcome to the course and thanks for sharing your elevator pitch for the EO browser. It is a fantastic learning tool for pupils to explore real life images and up-to-date images of different areas to allow for comparisons of environmental changes.
Children can also explore different areas to make comparisons of the different areas and also the changes over time. It will also encourage more opportunities for critical thinking and reflection on the impact of these changes and what is needed to support climate action.
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I downloaded the Satellite Tracker by STAR walk and got a week’s free trial. It tracked satellites around the world. It allowed you to see what satellites were currently visible and allowed you to track satellites and get notifications of when they would be visible again. It locates everything by co-ordinates, and it gives you lots of details of satellites. It is really fascinating. I was also had no idea of the number of satellites there were. I think the children would really enjoy looking and tracking satellites in space. I discovered that the following satellites have passed over Ireland recently.
1. EIRSAT-1 (Educational Irish Research Satellite-1)
2. Starlink Satellites (SpaceX)
3. International Space Station (ISS)
4. NOAA-20 (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-20)
5. Copernicus Sentinel-1A
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Hi Siobhan
Welcome to the course. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the satellite tracker app. Space is a fascinating topic for children and having taught infants to senior classes, this fascination works across all levels.
The app is ideal to see the different satellites that have passed over Ireland and children would love knowing what is passing over them and maybe researching about what each satellite is looking for in space. I was tracking the ISS with my class last year and we found a live webcam and we could see the earth below. We had great fun guessing where in the world they were judging by the terrain below and they almost had it right when we checked the map. My senior classes would have spent the afternoon tracking it. I hope your class will enjoy tracking the satellites in September.
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Yes, it’s really interesting to see how many satellites there are. I used the Orbit Tracker App. I’m looking forward to using this App with my students next year. I think they will really enjoy tracking actual satellites. It is fascinating to see how many satellites have passed over Ireland recently. I think this will really boost the children’s interest by making the topic more relatable. It will give students a real world connection to space exploration.
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Hi Siobhán … I agree that The Satellite Tracker app by STAR Walk seems like a brilliant way to bring space science to life in the classroom. I love how it makes satellite tracking interactive and real-time—children would be fascinated to know that satellites are flying over them as they learn. The fact that it includes Irish satellites like EIRSAT-1 makes it even more relevant and exciting for pupils here. You could turn this into a class project where students track different satellites over a week, record their names, and research their purposes.
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EO browser is a free online tool that lets you look at Satellite images of Earth. You can obtain many images and see how places on Earth change overtime like cities, rivers and farms. You can also pick a place and see how it looked on certain dates and compare images. You don’t have to have an account but I think you may have access to more features if you do sign up.
I would use this in the classroom by searching green sites of rivers near the school from different dates and compare and contrast how things have changed or stayed the same. I would also use it to explore big nature events with my class and again compare how it changed the landscape.
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Hi Aine,
Welcome to the course and thanks for sharing your thoughts on the EO browser.
I like how you would use the EO browser to explore your own local area first and to compare the river over different times. This could lead to lost of exploration using the EO browser to become familiar with it. It will also integrate with Geography to explore the local area along with the changes in the river such as flooding, if it is becoming an issue. As you have mentioned, you could also explore the changes in a local town or city or other areas in the world as the pupils become more familiar with the tool.
I hope you enjoyed the course.
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I love your idea of using it to explore local rivers, as connecting satellite imagery to familiar places can really deepen students’ understanding. Comparing images over time encourages observation skills and critical thinking. Exploring major natural events through satellite data is also a great way to discuss environmental impact and climate change in a meaningful context. It’s a great idea for hands-on, real-world learning.
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Elevator Pitch:
The EO Browser is a simple yet powerful online tool that allows users to explore real satellite images from various Earth observation missions—all in one place. It provides easy access to up-to-date visuals and data on vegetation, fires, snow cover, or water levels, and you could compare images from different dates to see changes. With no need for advanced skills, EO Browser turns complex satellite data into something clear and interactive for everyone.
Using EO Browser in the Classroom:
I would use EO Browser to make geography and environmental science more engaging and relevant for the class. Students could explore changes in their local area by comparing satellite images from different times, or investigate global events such as wildfires or flooding. It’s a great way to build their understanding of climate change. The tool encourages inquiry, critical thinking, and real-world connections which are all valuable learning experiences.-
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Hi Louise,
It sounds like the use of the EO browser would be very engaging to children to be able to see their locality at different times of the year. They might be interested in seeing what their local area looked like during the Beast from the East compared to a sunny day in July! It also seems like a great tool to initiate a discussion about climate change or melting ice in Greenland or raising sea levels in low lying areas.
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The resource Nose Up High in the Sky is a fantastic way to introduce children to weather recording and analysis. I really like the lesson on proverbs because it connects children with the history of weather forecasting in a simple and engaging way. It highlights how people long ago could predict weather quite accurately, even without the modern technology we rely on today, by paying close attention to signs in nature. This approach also encourages children to talk to older family members, which helps them appreciate how clever and resourceful people were in the past, using the limited resources they had. It’s a lovely way to create a sense of connection between generations. What’s great is that children can try making their own weather predictions based on these traditional proverbs, making the learning interactive and fun. This resource is easy to use and is suitable for a wide range of ages, from Junior Infants up to sixth class.
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Hi Niamh, I agree with your thoughts, it is such a useful and valuable resource. I also really liked the inclusion of weather proverbs, it’s a good way to connect science with history and literacy. The home-school linkage encouraging children to talk to older family members about how weather was predicted in the past is a lovely idea. It’s great to see how easily this can be adapted for all class levels.
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I completely agree with you, using weather proverbs is a clever way to make the topic more relatable and memorable for the children. It really does show how observant and inventive people were long before we had any modern equipment. I love that it encourages the children to chat with grandparents or older relatives about how they used to predict the weather. That kind of connection makes the learning feel meaningful and personal.
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I used the Orbit Tracker App. Five satellites that I found that have passed over Ireland recently were:
1. The Alos diachi satellite:
Was designed to create detailed topographic maps of the Earth’s surface. It played a crucial role in monitoring and assessing damage caused by natural disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. ALOS’s operational phase ended in May 2011 due to a power anomaly, likely caused by a meteoroid impact, according to Wikipedia. While the satellite remains in orbit, it is no longer functioning and is considered “dead”.
2. EIRSAT‑1: Ireland’s very first satellite, a 2U CubeSat launched December 1, 2023. It’s built by UCD and ESA to test Irish technology in orbit.
3. Cosmos 2228:
Was a Russian military satellite, part of the ELINT (electronic intelligence) system. Its main purpose was to detect, locate, and analyze radio signals from various sources, including potential enemy military activities. Cosmos 2228 is no longer actively functioning or serving its intended purpose and is now considered space debris, according to satellite tracking sites.
4. DELTA 2 R/B (1):
Refers to a rocket body (R/B) from a Delta II rocket launch. Specifically, the “1” indicates it’s the first stage or core of the rocket. These rocket bodies are often tracked as space debris after their operational satellites have been deployed. After a satellite or other payload is deployed, the rocket body (including the first stage) often becomes space debris, unless it is designed to deorbit or maneuver to a safe orbit.
5. Meteosat‑11:
A geostationary weather satellite operated by EUMETSAT. It scans Ireland roughly every 15 minutes, providing infrared and visible imagery crucial for real-time weather monitoring, cloud tracking, and precipitation forecasting
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I found the exploration of satellites very interesting. Here are some that have passed over Ireland in recent days or due in the next few hours.
1.NASA’s Satellite Terra which is carrying five instruments to observe Earth’s atmosphere, ocean, land, snow and ice, and energy budget.
2. Soumi NPP which is a satellite to study long-term climate change and short-term weather conditions and is carrying the following five instruments
o ATMS (Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder)
CERES (Clouds and Earth’s Radiant Energy System)
CrIS (Cross-Track Infrared Sounder)
OMPS (Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite)
VIIRS (Visible/Infrared Imager/Radiometer Suite)3.The ISS satellite used for scientific research, technological advancements, and as a base for future space exploration.
4.Meteostat 19 – part of the many geostationary satellites providing imagery for the early detection of fast developing weather, weather forecasting and climate monitoring. The code 19 refers to sleet shower.
5.Many Starlink satellites which are part of SpaceX’s satellite constellation and provide high-speed, low-latency internet access to users worldwide, including remote and underserved areas. They operate in low Earth orbit, enabling faster data transmission compared to traditional satellites. These satellites are designed to deliver internet connectivity for various applications, such as streaming, online gaming, and video calls.
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The activity I have decided to do in this module is to download the app ‘Satellite Tracker.’
Five satellites that have passed Ireland recently:
1. International Space Station (ISS)
2. NOAA-18
3. Starlink
4. NOAA-19
5. NOAA-15Satellites generally have a mission which must be carried out when they are passing over a country. The Starlink satellite has an extremely important role in that it is attempting to provide global satellite internet coverage. A key mission here is to provide high speed internet access, something so many of us are unaware of when we question why is our internet so slow!
The ISS carries out a significant amount of scientific work on a daily basis which is of huge importance to human beings on earth.
The NOAA satellites have a significant impact in that they help determine weather readings such as temperature and storm forecasts. These have a significant impact on human life on a daily basis.
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The EO browser is a powerful tool for exploring satellite imagery and earth observation data. It is designed to be user friendly and accessible, making it a great resource for educational purposes, even for young students in a primary school classroom.
Features of the EO Browser:
Global coverage- access satellite images from anywhere in the world.
Historical data- view and compare different images to observe changes over time.
Various satellite missions- includes data from Sentinel, Landsat, MODIS and other satellite mission’s.
Visualization tools- offers different types of imagery.
Measurement tools- measure distances and areas directly on the images.
Time-lapse feature- create time-lapse videos to show changes in location over time.
By integrating the EO Browser into classroom activities, teachers can provide students with a dynamic and interactive learning experience that enhances their understanding of earth science and geography.
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Hi Irene
Welcome to the course and thanks for sharing an overview of the EO Browsers. There are many learning opportunities that could be explored through the use of EO browser. While it is good to let them explore the browser initially and get used to the settings and features you could then give them specific topics to focus on such as the time lapse of a particular area – even the local area. As you have mentioned this will give students a dynamic and interactive learning experience that they can relate to if they explore their own local area.
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I downloaded the satellite tracker by Star Walk without any issues. I really liked the way you can subscribe to get notifications for the next satellite appearance and alerts about the nearest flybys. I can imagine the pupils’ excitement of seeing the timer decrease for a satellite passing by. Even seeing your exact location in lines of latitude and longitude would be fascinating for the kids
5 satellites that have passed Ireland recently are
International Space Station (ISS)- researching microgravity. It is testing technologies that will be used in the future for trips to the Mars and the Moon. It is currently hosting Expedition 72.
Starlink Satellite- this acts as a connection for internet users who may not have reliable access otherwise.
EIRSAT-1 which is Ireland’s first satellite that was led by students from UCD. Its mission was to raise awareness and advance education in space science in Ireland.
NOAA-20- provides essential data for weather forecasting and climate monitoring
Copernicus Sentinel-1A- uses radar to provide all weather, day and night imagery of earth’s surface.
I actually cannot believe the amount of satellites that pass by Ireland, varying in size from small shoe box to a football field. My students would love learning about these and the roles they play.
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Hi Avril, I agree with you that tracking the satellite’s would be very entertaining for the children in the classroom. I like your idea of subscribing and getting alerts to when the Satellite would be travelling over Ireland.
The fact that the ISS travels over Ireland is useful also as you could do a lesson or two on the that alone, as there would be much to explore and learn. The recent rescue mission of the astronauts from the ISS a few months back would be an interesting story for the children also.
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I explored a few of the apps outlined but in the end I used the Satellite tracker 3D on my laptop. I found it quite interesting observing the various satellites and was particularly surprised to see how quickly they were travelling. Some of the satellites I came across were:
1.Cosmos 1690 at an altitude of 1394 Km, Launched in 1985 by the Soviet union for military and government communications.
2.Cosmos 1321 at an altitude of 1490 KM which was launched in 1981
3.Flock 4g7 is a cubeSat satellite and was launched in May 2025. Its purpose is optical earth observation with a focus on high resolution imaging. By the time I googled this satellite a few minutes after it being over Ireland it was off the West coast of Africa!
4. Starlink 11164 at a height of 366km.
5.Starlink 32285 at an altitude of 480Km. This was launched by the USA in 2024 by SpaceX. The aim of the Starlink constellation of satellites is to develop a new space based internet communication system.
All in all its actually good fun looking at these satellites and the googling them to see what their purpose is. I believe the kids in my class would be fascinated by it also.-
I completely agree with your experience using Satellite Tracker 3D—it’s fascinating to see how fast satellites move and learn about their different purposes. I was also surprised by the variety, from old Cosmos satellites to the new Starlink constellation aimed at global internet coverage. The fact that CubeSats like Flock 4g7 can travel so far so quickly really highlights how dynamic space technology is. I think your idea to combine satellite tracking with quick research is excellent and would definitely capture the curiosity of students. It makes the learning real and interactive, showing them how space technology directly connects to our everyday lives.
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ISS
A multinational habitable satellite where astronauts conduct research in astronomy, astrobiology, meteorology, physics and other fields.
Landsat nine
Landsat is a system of satellites for moderate resolution optical remote sensing from monitoring land, coastal areas and shallow waters.
AISSat-1 and AISSat-2
These two satellites are automatic identification system satellites. The International Maritime organisation adopted a requirement for all ships to carry an AIS device, capable of providing real-time information about the ship to other ships and coastal authorities automatically. Basically this is a navigation age and an anti-collision system for vessels at sea.
SwissCube
This satellite conducts research into Nightglow within the earths atmosphere and to develop technology for future spacecraft.
Astra 19.2•E
This satellite used to be commonly known as Astra 1 and is one of the major TV satellite positions serving Europe.
Starlink
This satellite is owned by Elon Musk and provides Internet access coverage to 36 countries, but aims for global coverage.
I tried out heavens above as was recommended and thought the live sky view was pretty cool! When I checked on it first there were 4 Starlink satellites and when I checked again 10, 15 minutes later, there were five, again all starlinks! The satellite database was fascinating also, just from this year amount of satellites that are listed. It’s definitely well worth checking out.
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Five statellites that pass over Ireland are
Sentinel 1 which provides all day weather, day and night radar imagery for land and ocean services.
International Space Station: this is a station that is a space environment research laboratory
NoAA-20, This satellite provides data for weather forecasting, extreme weather predictions and environmental monitoring.
Terra, It carries instruments that monitor Earth’s climate and environment, including the atmosphere, land and oceans and is crucial for understanding ling-term climate change and environmental shifts.
MetOp-B, this is a European meteorological satellite operated by EUMESTAT. It provides data on atmospheric temperature and humidity, ocean surface wind speed and direction and data for climate monitoring and weather forecasting.
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Here is a list of 5 satellites which have passed over Ireland recently and what they are doing:
The first satellite is EIRSAT 1 – Ireland’s first CubeSat which was launched on December the 1st, 2023. It is currently testing three Irish-developed technologies: a gamma ray sensor (GMOD), surface coating experiment (EMOD), and wave based attitude control, sending data back to UCD and amateur radio operators
The second is Copernicus Sentinel 1C. This is a sun synchronous radar satellite, and it imaged Dublin and its surroundings contributing to environmental and Earth surface monitoring.
The third satellite is Copernicus Sentinel 2. This is an optical Earth observation satellite which captured visible light imagery including recent views of cloud clearing over Wexford and Strangford Lough
The fourth satellite is Meteosat 11. This is a geostationary weather satellite and provides infrared and precipitation radar data over Ireland every 15 minutes approximately for Met Éireann forecasts..
Lastly, the Starlink Satellites is SpaceX’s internet satellite and its “trains” frequently pass over Ireland. These LEO satellites deploy then slowly spread out, reflecting sunlight and lighting up the night sky..
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I used the Satellite Tracker app to discover what satellites have passed over Ireland recently. I think my students would really enjoy this activity as it offers them an opportunity to really discover something new and interesting about space that relates to Ireland.
5 satellites that pass over Ireland are the following:
1. The ISS which is the International Space Station. The fascinating thing about this space station is that in fact it can be visible to the unaided eye, particularly after before the dawn or the hour or so after dark.
2. The second satellite that I will refer to are the Starlink satellites. These are a number of satellites that can be viewed as a string of satellites that almost resemble a train in the space.
3. Satellites that are particularly relevant to this course are the NOAA satellites; namely NOAA-15, NOAA-18 and of course, the NOAA- 19. These three satellites help us to understand weather, weather patterns, predict storms, heat waves (particularly relevant in Europe, alas, not the case in West Clare). -
3. After exploring the ESA resource Nose Up High in the Sky I found it to be a highly engaging and a well structured resource that would make excellent lessons for a wide range of class groups. The activities are practical, hands on, and link closely with the SESE curriculum. I especially liked how the resource encourages pupils to observe and describe the weather using their senses, which is a great way to develop vocabulary and oral language skills. The instructions for creating simple weather instruments like a rain gauge and anemometer are easy to follow and require very little materials. This would make it accessible for most schools, even those with limited resources and funds. I liked the fact that this resource promotes outdoor learning and collaboration among pupils. I would definitely use this resource in my class for Geography and Science lessons, particularly during a unit on weather or climate. It supports inquiry based learning and helps children make real world connections, while also being fun and interactive.
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I agree with Tara that its hands-on approach is excellent for engaging students across different age groups. I particularly like how you highlighted the development of vocabulary and oral language through sensory observation—that’s such an important but sometimes overlooked aspect. Your point about the simplicity and accessibility of the weather instrument instructions is spot on, especially for schools with limited materials.
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3 – I explored the ESA resource Nose High Up in the Sky, I found it to be a well-structured and engaging tool that I would definitely use with my 6th class. The teacher guide is clear and practical, offering step-by-step lesson plans that are easy to follow and adaptable depending on the class level. The pupil activities are interactive and hands-on, encouraging students to observe, measure, and record real-time weather data. I particularly like how the resource promotes inquiry-based learning, allowing children to become “weather detectives” and make their own predictions and conclusions.
It also supports cross-curricular integration, linking well with Science, Geography, Maths, and even English through report writing and presentations. The use of simple, accessible language and visual aids makes abstract concepts like air pressure and climate more concrete. I believe this resource would not only build scientific skills but also foster a greater awareness of the environment. It’s both educational and enjoyable—a great addition to my teaching toolkit.
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The EO Browser is a great tool that lets you explore real satellite images of Earth. It’s really easy to use and gives access to data from lots of different satellites like Sentinel and Landsat. You can look at how places have changed over time, track things like deforestation, urban growth, flooding or even melting glaciers.
In class, I’d use it to bring Geography and Science alive. For example, we could look at our local area to see how land use has changed or compare images before and after big weather events. I think pupils would love using it to investigate real-world environmental issues and then present their findings. It also builds STEM skills and really helps children see the link between human activity and changes in the environment in a way that’s visual and engaging.
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I used the Satellite Tracker App and found it fascinating! It was amazing to see all the satellites passing over Ireland. Here are five satellites that have recently passed over Ireland and what they do:
1.Starlink satellites – SpaceX’s internet-beaming constellation regularly appears as trains of lights at dawn or dusk over Ireland, delivering broadband globally but sometimes hampering astronomical observations
2.International Space Station (ISS) – A crewed orbital lab visible for a few minutes as it circles Earth at ~28,000 km/h, conducting microgravity research and space science .
3.EIRSAT 1 – Ireland’s first CubeSat, built by UCD and launched in Dec 2023. It tests gamma-ray and surface-coating sensors in low Earth orbit
4.Sentinel 1 – Part of ESA’s Copernicus programme, this radar-imaging satellite monitors land deformation, ice, natural disasters, and marine traffic
5.Meteosat 10 – A geostationary EUMETSAT weather satellite currently positioned over Europe, supplying cloud and rapid-scan imagery every 5–15 minutesAll these satellites were visibly seen on the app as well as their orbiting capacity and movement over Ireland and other countries.
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Hi Eoghan,
That sounds amazing—I totally agree! It’s incredible to actually see how many satellites are active above us and what each one does. The mix of communication, weather, research, and Earth monitoring satellites really shows how space tech impacts our daily lives. The Satellite Tracker App makes it all feel so real!
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The EU browser could be used in the classroom to teach students all about satellite data. I explored Satelites using the orbit tracker app, I could see several satellites that have passed over Ireland recently including : Starlink Satellites, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Safellite, and Cosmos 2228. This would be an area that I would have shyed away from teaching before. I now feel I would have more confidence delivering a lesson on satellites. I chose this course to better my understanding and deepen my knowledge in order to improve my teaching in this area and to better learning experiences for my students.
I too looked at Nose Up in the Sky, it is very user friendly and provides a wide range of student activities that are engaging, student centered and structured. It breaks down broader more complex scientific topics into more manageable child friendly lessons
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I would definitely make use of the Nose High Up in the Sky activities. I think the children would really enjoy the hands on aspect of the activities like the balloon experiment. I think that there are many opportunities for cross-curricular integration including art, geography and maths. The group and collaborative learning aspects of the activities are very appealing and I think that feedback could be given by the children both in class as well as to other classes and at assemblies.
Examining, recording and reporting on weather is something we are expert at in Ireland! Everyone has an opinion! It could be a lovely idea to have a weather report as part of an oral language activity in Our News. It could also be used to introduce new vocabulary in a Gaeilge lesson. Key STEM skills like critical thinking, analysis, evaluation, innovation, communication, collaboration, problem-solving can all be developed through this activity pack in a way that can be tailored to suit your own class.
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The ESA resource “Nose High Up in the Sky” offers excellent pupil activities that fuse maths and astronomy through hands-on observation. When I viewed the lessons—measuring sun angles, plotting them seasonally, and applying geometry to shadows—I found the tasks well-structured and engaging. The guided worksheets and diagrams support clear understanding, while the outdoor components encourage active learning. Pupils measure and record real data, create graphs, and discuss concepts like Earth’s tilt and changing daylight—connecting curriculum objectives in science and maths. The resource adapts easily to different age groups: simpler for younger children, with more complex data tasks for older ones. In my classroom, I’d start with a demonstration, then let pupils work in pairs outdoors, before returning to analyze results. This promotes collaboration, observational skills, and scientific reasoning. Overall, it’s a versatile, curriculum-aligned tool I’d confidently integrate into lessons.
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The following are satellites that have recently passed Ireland an what outlines what they have done:
1. International Space Station (ISS)
Flies over Ireland regularly and can sometimes be seen with the naked eye, especially just after sunset. Astronauts on board carry out science experiments in space — from testing how plants grow in zero gravity to studying how the human body reacts to long stays in orbit. They also take amazing photos of Earth, including Ireland.2. Starlink Satellites
Part of a huge network providing internet from space. They help bring fast broadband to rural and remote areas. After launch, they appear in the sky as a line of lights called a “satellite train,” which has been spotted over Ireland many times.3. Landsat 9
Took detailed images of Earth to help monitor changes in land, forests, and water. It recently re-entered the atmosphere and was seen over Ireland as a bright fireball.4. EIRSAT-1
Ireland’s first satellite! It tests space technology and detects gamma rays. Passes over Ireland several times a day.5. Astra 2G
Beams TV and internet signals to homes in Ireland. It stays fixed in space over the same spot. -
Here are five satellites that Orbitrack showed passing over Ireland recently:
1. International Space Station (ISS)
2. NOAA-18 – Earth‑observing weather satellite
3. BUGSAT‑1 – Student-built CubeSat from Austria
4. O/OREOS (USA‑219) – NASA mission studying space microbes
5. AO‑91 – Amateur radio communications satellite
Satellites like the ISS are giant floating laboratories where astronauts live and do experiments every day. Weather satellites, such as NOAA‑18, fly high above Earth to take pictures of clouds and storms, helping us predict the weather. Some satellites are built by students—like BUGSAT‑1—to learn how to make and send tiny satellites into space for science and education. Others, like O/OREOS, carry special instruments to study how tiny things like microbes behave in space conditions—information that helps scientists understand how life might survive off Earth. Amateur radio satellites such as AO‑91 let space enthusiasts send messages across the world by bouncing signals off the satellite in orbit.
Every time a satellite passes overhead, it’s zipping around the Earth at thousands of kilometres per hour! People use apps like Orbitrack to see when and where satellites will appear, so they can go outside and watch them glide across the sky. It’s amazing to think they’re floating above us, working every moment to help us on Earth!
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I used a satellite tracker to identify and research 5 satellites that have passed over/close to Ireland in orbit in recent times. The website I used was https://satellitetracker3d.com/track and these are the satellites I observed.
1. Starlink 3791: Launched from Cape Canaveral by SpaceX. Its purpose is communications and it was launched in April 2022 with a 4 year data expectancy. It is commercially owned and it is non polar in orbit. It is still operational.
2. OneWeb0424: Launched in Dec 2021 from Kazakhstan Baikonur Cosmodrome, it is a functional satellite owned by the UK. Its purpose is to provide global internet access using low orbit satellite.
3. TIROS 6: TIROS stands for Television and Infra-Red Observation Satellite. The space agency that was gathering the information was NASA agus its main mission was cloud imagery. It was launched in 1962 with an expected end of life (EOL) in 1963.
4. Fast 1 USA 222: FASTRAC—short for Formation Autonomy Spacecraft with Thrust, Relnav, Attitude and Crosslink—was developed by grad students and undergrads at the University of Texas, Austin. FASTRAC consists of two satellites, each about the size of two car tires, that will separate from each other in orbit to demonstrate communication and coordination capabilities.
5. CentiSpace-1 S6: Country of origin for this satellite is China and it was launched in 2022 by a Beijing company called Future Navigation and is still operational. Its mission is part of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to collect data regarding location, time and speed. -
Satellites-
1. International Space Station (ISS)
A crewed research outpost orbiting ~420 km above Earth. Conducts microgravity experiments, Earth observations, and public education outreach.2. Starlink Constellation Satellites
SpaceX’s LEO internet satellites provide global broadband services. Newly launched batches appear as floating “trains” of lights before dispersing into their operational orbital shell.3. Landsat 9 (Re‑entry Debris)
Launched in 2021, Landsat 9 observes Earth’s land cover and resource changes. Recently, its path overlapped with Ireland’s skies—but more notably, its eventual re‑entry created a brief spectacular light as space debris4. EIRSAT‑1 (Educational Irish Research Satellite‑1)
Ireland’s first CubeSat, launched on December 1, 2023. Its mission: test gamma‑ray detection (GMOD), surface coatings (EMOD), and wave‑based attitude control (WBC).5. Argos IoT Constellation (Kinéis Satellites)
Launched in June/September 2024 to revive the Argos environmental data system. These CubeSats relay tracking data from wildlife tags, buoys, and remote sensors worldwide. -
I used the website satellite tracker3D.com to track some of the satellites over Ireland at the moment. I was fascinated to see so many satellites in the skies above us. The children would certainly enjoy this activity and learning more about satellites in general.
Some of the satellites are;
Starlink – 1741 satellite internet constellation project developed by Space X. It aims to provide high speed satellite internet access particularly to remote and underserved areas globally.
Object_L (6/13) space debris associated with the SL-8 rocket part of Russian Kosmos
Cosmos 972 (space debris)was a satellite launched by Soviet Union as part of Sputnik program in 1978
International Space Station- Earth Observatio
Oneweb-0537- broadband internet services
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Elevator Pitch – EO Browser
The EO browser is a user friendly online tool created by Sentinal Hub where users can explore satellite imagery using routine data from satellites. The tool brings the Earth observation data to the user in the manner of a few clicks. Users can explore high resolution data from missions such as Sentinal 1 and 2. Current satellites over Ireland include: cosmos 2228, starlink satellite, national oceanic and atmospheric satellite. The online tool allows the user to visualize changes over time and track deforestion, urban growth, vegetation, weather patterns, water bodies or national disasters.
For classroom activities I would integrate the tool during a Geography/Science/SPHE lessons. The class could look at the effect of urbanization in the village or town and see the effects of it using the time lapse feature. Students can create videos using the tool and differentiate the lessons by focusing on an additional feature such as pollution or deforestation.
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Option 1:
Recently, several satellites have passed over Ireland, visible to the naked eye or tracked through satellite monitoring tools such as Heavens-Above or N2YO. Here are five examples:
International Space Station (ISS) – The most recognisable satellite, the ISS regularly passes over Ireland. It hosts astronauts and conducts experiments in microgravity to benefit science and health on Earth.
Hubble Space Telescope – Though older, it still orbits Earth and provides stunning images of space, helping us understand galaxies, stars, and black holes.
NOAA-20 – A U.S. weather satellite that monitors Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, and land to improve weather forecasting and climate monitoring.
Sentinel-3A (ESA) – Part of the European Union’s Copernicus Programme, it gathers data on sea surface temperature, ocean colour, and land monitoring.
Starlink Satellites – Operated by SpaceX, these satellites aim to provide global high-speed internet, and often appear in groups forming “satellite trains” in the sky.
These satellites support communication, weather prediction, environmental monitoring, and scientific research—enhancing our understanding of both Earth and space. -
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Option 2
I think the EO browser is a great tool. I would like to use some time at a staff meeting to share it with the rest of the staff. I would use the EO tutorial to help them use it in their own classes. I would explain to them that it is a resource which can be used in history science geography, SESE and can also be tied into english. I would demonstrate for them how to use the browser. How changes to the earth can be seen from the EO browser changing over time. I would show them how the children could use it in groups or individually on I pads. Through the demonstration they would see how easy the browseris to use and also how engaging it would be for the children. I would demonstrate how it can be used in a variety of ways and tied into subjects mentioned above. It would make any of these subjects more fun and engaging for the children. Also it is very important to note that we need to prepare our children for a digital world as per our school digital plan and using EO Browser is part of that. -
After exploring the ESA resource Nose High Up in the Sky, I found it to be a well-organized and engaging tool that I would definitely use with my class. The teacher’s guide is clear and practical, providing step-by-step lesson plans that are easy to follow and can be adapted to suit different class levels. The pupil activities are hands-on and interactive, encouraging students to observe, measure, and record real-time weather data.
I especially appreciate how the resource encourages inquiry-based learning, allowing children to act as “weather detectives” who make their own predictions and draw conclusions. It also supports cross-curricular learning, connecting well with Science, Geography, Maths, and even English through report writing and presentations. The simple language and visual aids help make abstract ideas like air pressure and climate more understandable.
Overall, I believe this resource not only develops scientific skills but also enhances students’ environmental awareness. It’s both educational and enjoyable—an excellent addition to my teaching toolkit
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Hi Aine,
Thanks for your post. I am delighted to see that you found the resources in this section to be well organised and engaging.
Learners take great pride in their weather station equipment creations, and the coveted role of reading and recording the data. It’s a great opportunity to integrate some technology too, creating charts and PowerPoint presentations to present readings, and for learners to grow their problem-solving abilities as they reflect on how their station could be improved, if they were to do it again.
I also like how you mention the enjoyable aspect, for young learners, fun has a central role to play in holding their interest. This resource is a tried and tested way to engage learners in fun, accessible, hands-on STEM!
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Option 2:
EO Browser is a free, easy-to-use online platform that lets you explore satellite images from multiple missions. You can view both up-to-date and historical Earth observation data, making it a great way to spot things like changes in vegetation, expanding cities, or natural events like wildfires and floods. It’s a powerful visual tool for understanding how our planet evolves over time.In the classroom, I’d use EO Browser to make geography and science lessons more interactive and real-world focused. For instance, students could track deforestation in the Amazon over several years using actual satellite images. It’s a brilliant way to build their critical thinking and raise awareness of global environmental challenges. EO Browser really helps turn abstract topics into something students can see and connect with—it brings our planet’s changes to life in a way textbooks can’t.
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Module 4
The ESA resource “Nose High Up in the Sky” is part of the European Space Agency’s Education Program, created to introduce younger students to the fundamentals of Earth observation, satellites, and atmospheric science in an engaging and enjoyable way. The Teacher Guide offers clear lesson plans and essential background information, while the Pupil Activities feature hands-on exercises and experiments using everyday materials, satellite images, and drawing or matching tasks. These activities teach students how satellites can detect things like air pollution and other invisible gases in the atmosphere.
One activity I particularly enjoyed was Activity 1: What Can Satellites See? In this task, students analysed satellite images and learn to distinguish between visible and invisible phenomena. It’s an excellent way to spark a conversation about different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. I think if you used images on the interactive whiteboard for this activity it would make it more dynamic.
Activity 2: Smelling the Air (Using the Nose!) is another fun one. It involves students “sniffing” jars filled with various scents and guessing what’s inside. This sensory-based activity directly links the way we detect smells to how satellites identify gases in the atmosphere. It’s both fun and educational.
I would also add opportunities for students to design their own experiments or explore real-world applications of atmospheric data.
These activities would be effective and engaging for students in the classroom. They are well-structured, hands-on, and sensory-driven, while helping them better understand complex scientific concepts.
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Activity 3: After downloaded and completed the pupil activities from the ESA resource “Nose High Up in the Sky”, along with the accompanying Teacher Guide, I think this resource is a really interesting material for primary students, introducing Earth observation from space in a fun and accessible way. The activities simulate how satellites use different “senses” to observe Earth without physically touching it.
I found the hands-on approach very effective as it encourages children to think scientifically, make observations, and draw conclusions, just like remote sensing satellites do. The activities are inquiry-based, easy to follow, and adaptable to different learning levels.
I definitely would apply this resource in my class. I think is an excellent way to learn more about space and Earth observation and it’s a great cross-curricular material too, as it fits well into science, geography, and STEM lessons. It also supports group work and creativity while introducing real-world applications of space science in an age-appropriate way.
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I looked at the ESA Nose Up High resource and think that it could be a great activity to do with the class. Despite having Senior Infants in September I think it would be possible to adapt this lesson to make it useable and engaging for my class. This resource entails looking at different viewpoints from which you can observe different objects and the differences between pictures taken on earth and from satellites, what rivers, lakes, mountains etc look like from space. I would use it with younger children to look at some objects or places/landmarks that they are familiar with from their local area and see how these pictures might look different especially when we look at different satellite images. We would look at pictures of lakes, rivers and mountains that we are used to seeing and then compare the similarities and differences when we see these pictures when they are taken from space.
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The EO Browser is an incredible, easy-to-use tool that gives students access to real satellite imagery from around the world. With data from missions like Sentinel, Landsat, and MODIS, it allows users to explore Earth from space, track changes over time, and investigate environmental issues such as deforestation, urban expansion, flooding, and melting glaciers. Its visualization and measurement tools, along with the ability to create time-lapse videos, make it especially engaging for young learners.
In my classroom, I would use the EO Browser to bring Geography and Science lessons to life. For example, students could examine how our local area has changed over the past decade, compare satellite images from before and after natural disasters, or analyze patterns of land use and vegetation. These activities not only make learning more dynamic and interactive, but also develop critical STEM skills such as observation, analysis, and digital literacy.
Using real-world data empowers pupils to explore global and local environmental challenges in a meaningful way. They can work in groups to investigate a topic, then present their findings using maps, visuals, and data—building both knowledge and confidence. The EO Browser helps children visually understand the impact of human activity on the planet.
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Hi Marie,
You’ve made a great point. Integrating digital tools with SESE and STEM subjects is such an effective way to deepen student engagement. It also offers a valuable opportunity to reinforce their understanding of climate change, building on the key themes we’ve explored in earlier modules. I really appreciate your insight!
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I used the satellite tracking app to explore which satellites have passed over Ireland recently and availed of the free trial. As a frequent star gazer, there are constantly satellites orbiting above us. The Starlink satellite train by Spacex and the International Space Station I find are particularly visible when stargazing. The app showed which satellites were currently visible, gave detailed information about each one, and even sent notifications for upcoming passes—it was really fun to follow them in real-time. I think pupils would really enjoy this activity, especially using a tablet or interactive whiteboard to track satellite paths across the sky. It could even be a fun homework alternative while teaching them about this subject. Some of the satellites that passed over Ireland recently include Starlink satellites by SpaceX, which provide global internet coverage; the International Space Station (ISS); EIRSAT-1, Ireland’s first satellite; NOAA-20, a weather-monitoring satellite; and Copernicus Sentinel-1A, which helps track changes in Earth’s surface.
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I have explored the ESA resource Nose High Up in The Sky, including both the teacher guide and accompanying pupil activities. The materials are thoughtfully designed and highly engaging, encouraging students to investigate the atmosphere and understand the function of weather balloons. As I worked through the activities, I could envisage myself using these resources with my own 4th class next year. I found the activities effective in sparking curiosity and promoting scientific thinking, particularly around how atmospheric data is collected. The hands-on elements—like simulating balloon experiments—make complex ideas more accessible and concrete for learners. I believe this resource is well-suited for classroom use and age appropriate for my own 4th class, especially in fostering experiential learning and encouraging critical thinking about weather, climate, and potential careers in science. To further enrich the experience, I would incorporate opportunities for students to design their own experiments or examine real-life uses of atmospheric data. Overall, it’s an excellent tool for bringing STEM learning to life in a meaningful and engaging way and also would be very good to use in a station teaching lesson or small group teaching.
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I used the website https://satellitetracker3d.com to help me locate satellites.
I was really amazed to see how many satellites are out there! I think the children would enjoy this exercise as much as I did.
Here are 5 satellites that have passed over or close to Ireland recently and a short note on their functions.
1. International Space Station (ISS). One of the most commonly observed satellites. It was designed for scientific research in various fields, including biology, physical science and astronomy.
2. NOAA-20. A polar orbiting satellite that provides global observations used for weather forecasting and climate monitoring.
3. STARLINK – various ones. Operated by Space X. It aims to provide high speed internet access.
4. EIRSAT-1. Designed and built by UCD. Serving educational and scientific purposes.
5. Sentinel 1. It offers radar imagery which is useful for monitoring land and sea. Sentinel 2 offers optical imagery used for mapping and water quality. Both of these are part of the Copernicus programme. -
I looked into the EO Browser for this assignment. It is a user-friendly online tool that brings real satellite images right to your fingertips. It pulls together data from multiple Earth observation missions, so you can explore everything from vegetation and wildfires to snow and water levels—all in one spot. I really like that you don’t need any special technical skills. The platform makes complex satellite data easy to understand, letting anyone explore our planet in an interactive, visual way.
I’d use EO Browser to make subjects like geography, STEM and environmental science more exciting and meaningful for students. They can investigate how their locality has changed over time by comparing satellite images from different years, or dive into major global events like floods or wildfires. It’s a fantastic way to help them connect classroom topics to the real world and better understand issues like climate change. It sparks curiosity, encourages critical thinking, and supports hands-on learning—all things that make for great classroom experiences. I think this resource would also be a good way to make links between school, home and the local community. My school has enjoyed taking part in STEM courses in TUD, this could be a good way to learn about new resources too.
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The EO Browser sounds great for using with the class, and it’s great how you’re thinking of using it to connect lessons to real-life changes in the local area. It sounds like a useful way to bring geography and environmental topics to life for students. Linking it to STEM work with TUD is a nice idea too.
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I downloaded the Satellite Tracker by Star Walk:
1. Hubble Space Telescope – Though older, it still orbits Earth and provides stunning images of space, helping us understand galaxies, stars, and black holes.
2. International Space Station (ISS) – This is the most recognisable satellite, the ISS regularly passes over Ireland. It hosts astronauts and conducts experiments in microgravity and space radiation to benefit science and health on Earth.
3. NOAA-20 – A U.S. weather satellite that monitors Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, and land to improve weather forecasting and climate monitoring.
4. Starlink Satellites – Operated by SpaceX, these satellites aim to provide global high-speed internet.
5. Sentinel-3A (ESA) – Part of the European Union’s Copernicus Programme, it gathers data on sea surface temperature, ocean colour, and land monitoring. -
Activity 1: I downloaded Satellite tracker and ISS tracker. I also used different websites such as heavens-above.com and n2yo.com. I didn’t use Orbitrack as there was a cost involved with downloading it. These websites are great and can be used in different ways in the classroom. These are some activities I plan to do with my class next year using these apps and websites:
– Track when satellites will pass over Ireland and let pupils spot them.
-Assign groups a satellite to learn its purpose (research project)
-Create posters or mini-reports explaining each satellite’s mission and what it monitors.Five satellites that have passed Ireland recently:
1.Starlink- Aimed at providing global broadband internet coverage via a constellation in low Earth orbit.
2.Landsat 9 -Used for Earth observation—mapping land surface changes and monitoring climate and environmental trends globally.
3. EIRSAT 1 -Carries three experiments: gamma-ray detection, thermal coating tests, and magnetic attitude control. It provides hands-on space science experience for students and data collection from orbit.
4. Sentinel 1C – Used for monitoring land use, water levels, environmental changes, and disaster response.
5.Sentinel 6 Michael Freilich -Tracks very precise sea surface heights to monitor sea-level rise, waves, and ocean wind speed. -
I downloaded the teacher guide and pupil activities for the ESA resource ‘Nose High Up in the Sky’ and carried out the activities. The teacher guide provided structured lesson plans suitable for a wide range of class groups. They were clear, practical and well organised and provided opportunities for cross curricular integration.
I would definitely use it with my class as the activities are hands on and the tasks were well structured and engaging which I think would be very appealing to the children. It is a fantastic resource to introduce the children to weather recording and analysis. The instructions for making their own weather instruments were very simple and straightforward. The lesson on proverbs would really appeal to the children when predicting their weather forecast and they would be very interested to see if their predictions were true. Years ago people could make predictions on the weather using these proverbs so it is also a nice way to connect with the past. -
Teacher Guide & Pupil Activities for the ESA Resource ‘ Nose High Up in The Sky’ (slide 19)
After carrying out all these activities I found all three very interesting, engaging and fun to complete. I would definitely use these resources and activities with my class. The activities are suitable for all ages and abilities but the activity sheets will have to be differentiated to suit individual needs in each class. It makes Space more accessible for children – they will have a better understanding of what it is like to look down on earth from Space.
Activity 1 – The Earth seen from the ISS
This activity will appeal to the children of all ages. They will know the size of the ISS as it is the size of a football pitch which they all know the size of and they will be able to imagine it floating around space. Being able to see the photos from five different astronauts was fun and interesting and the children will love looking at them.
Activity 2 – Match the photos & Activity 3 – Higher up
The children will love carrying out this activity as they will be able to pretend to be astronauts looking out the window and they can match the photos to what they are – mountains, lakes, rivers, etc – this activity is very hands – on and accessible for all.
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Hi Niamh,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the activities in the resource Nose High Up in the Sky. In my own class they loved to explore the different images and what they look like from the ISS. I also found a live stream from the ISS during Space Week last year and from watching it the class predicted where the ISS could be and what continent it was passing over. They were fascinated. This is a link to track the ISS on a map as the live stream isn’t working this evening. https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/International_Space_Station/Where_is_the_International_Space_Station
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Hi Niamh,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the activities in the resource Nose High Up in the Sky. In my own class they loved to explore the different images and what they look like from the ISS. I also found a live stream from the ISS during Space Week last year and from watching it the class predicted where the ISS could be and what continent it was passing over. They were fascinated. This is a link to track the ISS on a map as the live stream isn’t working this evening. https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/International_Space_Station/Where_is_the_International_Space_Station
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Using EO browsers in the classroom for Earth science and geography lessons. The browser is user friendly and free and allows you to explore satellite images.It provides easy access to high-resolution images and data about land and water.
It allows the children to investigate their local environmental and changes to the Earth. It lets children compare satellite images from different dates, locations. The children can see the results of natural disasters. For example, the fires in la. The children can see the images of the neighbourhood before and after the disaster. The children can also observe the effects of deforestation and monitor urban growth. The children will love to see that their community used to be areas of farm land. They can compare and discuss how things around their school has changed or what has stayed the same.-
Hi Sharon
Yu have some lovely ideas there for using the EO browser in school. I like the idea of using past and present satellite images to look at their local area to see the changes in land use as well as the effect of natural disasters such as wildfires and also man-made disasters such as the many hill fires in Ireland. I remember seeing an analysis of the impact of the 2021 fires in Killarney National Park done using images from the EO browser.
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The Nose High Up in the Sky activity is a lovely way to introduce satellites to students. Using the resource, I would get the students prior knowledge by asking them to draw or write what they think Earth would look like from space. Younger students may have studied perspective and birds eye view, so a conversation around this language and creating real life links would be an engaging introduction, as well as linking any magazine/ TV/ book and movie images that the students may have seen of space.
To add to this activity, the students could study extracts about life onboard the ISS and get them to create their own satellite images either as an art project or using a device, based on what they have learned. In this way, the resource could be used with younger students or extended for older students.
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EO Browser is a free, web-based tool that gives you access to real satellite images from missions like Sentinel and Landsat—all in just a few clicks. You can explore how landscapes, cities, or coastlines have changed over time, monitor weather events like floods or fires, or track vegetation health. It’s intuitive and doesn’t require any coding or technical skills. Whether you’re teaching geography, climate change, or STEM, it brings the Earth into your classroom—visually, interactively, and in real time.
Local Investigations
Students can view satellite imagery of their town or school from different years and discuss changes in land use, urban development, or deforestation.
They can create time-lapse animations using the ‘Compare’ and ‘Play Timelapse’ functions to see environmental change over time.Climate Change Case Studies
Use EO Browser to explore shrinking glaciers, rising sea levels, or forest fire scars globally.
Link visual data to real climate science and policy discussions. -
The EO Browser is a highly engaging and interactive classroom resource that allows pupils to explore a wide range of satellite imagery. It not only enables them to analyse visual evidence of the world around them, but also introduces the exciting, modern-day role of ICT in supporting scientific understanding and global awareness. In the classroom, I would encourage its use through open, exploratory discussions—prompting pupils to ask questions, draw their own conclusions, and confidently share insights with their peers.By examining live and historical events—such as natural disasters, deforestation, or climate change—pupils develop a deeper, more immediate understanding of the ever-changing world they live in. This resource supports enquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and collaborative exploration. With regular use and strong teacher modelling, pupils would become increasingly confident, independent, and skilled in using this powerful tool. As our school places a strong emphasis on technology, this approach aligns well with both curriculum aims and our wider school development plan.
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Five satellites that have been orbiting close to Ireland recently include, International Space Station, Starlink, EIRSAT, Copernicus Sentinel‑3 and NOAA Weather Satellites.
The ISS, visible as a bright, swift traveler, reminds us of ongoing scientific experiments in orbit. In contrast, Starlink trains illustrate how companies deploy networks to connect even remote regions with broadband.
Closer to home, Ireland’s very own EIRSAT‑1 is breaking ground: this CubeSat carries a gamma‑ray detector, thermal coating tests, and novel magnetic attitude control showcasing national innovation and engineering prowess. Meanwhile, ESA’s Sentinel‑3 satellite quietly watches over us, delivering vital land and ocean imagery, including a recent cloud‑free snapshot of Ireland. NOAA weather satellites also beam down crucial meteorological data, ensuring accurate local forecasts by tracking clouds and temperature patterns from above.
Together, these satellites demonstrate the diverse roles of orbital platforms from human habitation and global connectivity to national space exploration and environmental monitoring offering rich, real-world contexts for engaging pupils in STEM.
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5 Satellites that have passed Ireland recently are:
1. Internation Space Station
2. Space X Starlink Satellites
3. EIRSAT – 1
4. NOAA – 18 – Weather Satellite
5. BUBSAT – 1
The International Space Station connects us to international space exploration and science in action.
Space X Starlink Satellites shows real-world telecom satellite networds affecting our nightly sky.
EIRSAT – 1 is built by UCD, it carries experiments including a gamma-ray detector, a thermal coating test, and an attitude control system.
NOAA – 18 Weather Satellite gathers atmospheric temperature and humidity data, sea and land surface temperatures, and helps with weather forecasting and climate monitoring.
BUBSAT – 1 carries a camera to take Earth images and perform technological experiments.
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Here are five satellites that have recently passed over Ireland and what they are doing in space:
EIRSAT-1 is Ireland’s first satellite. It was launched in 2023 by University College Dublin and the European Space Agency. It is testing new space technology, such as how to spot powerful space events called gamma-ray bursts and how materials work in space.
Meteosat-11 is a weather satellite that looks at Europe and Ireland from space. It sends back pictures every 15 minutes, showing clouds, rain, and storms. This helps weather forecasters know what’s happening in real time.
MTG-I1 is a new and improved weather satellite. It shows very clear images every 10 minutes and can even spot lightning, which is useful for tracking big storms over Ireland.
Sentinel-4 looks at the air over Europe. It checks for pollution and gases like ozone and nitrogen dioxide, helping scientists learn about our air quality.
The International Space Station (ISS) is not a weather satellite, but it passes over Ireland often. It carries astronauts who do science experiments and can be seen from Earth as a bright moving light in the night sky.
These satellites help us understand space, weather, and the environment in exciting ways that I can share with my pupils.
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I used the Satellite tracker to track the satellites:
It detected the following satellites passing over Ireland:
1. Starlink-30512
2. Starlink-33548
3. Starlink-22514. Eirsat-1
5. Starlink -1506
All these satellites hold important information but I think I would be inclined to study the Eirsat Satellite as it was developed in Ireland by UCD and involved many students. There is also a lot of footage on you tube that will help children to visualise the Satellite from it’s conception to it’s launch in December 2023. The satellites main experiment is to measure Gamma Ray Bursts in the solar system. This may lead children to question what else can Satellites do e.g. observe what is happening to Earth from space. This would allow to explore Climate Resilience especially when equipped with solid data that can used to show how changes can be made.
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I used the heavens-above.com website to track the satellites:
The following satellites have recently passed over Ireland:
<p style=”text-align: left;”>1. Starlink-3648
2. Starlink-31143
3. Starlink-1402</p>
<p style=”text-align: left;”>4. Starlink 34451</p>
<p style=”text-align: left;”>5. Starlink -1240</p>
Starlink satellites, developed by SpaceX, are part of a global satellite network that provides high-speed, low-latency internet access. Here’s a breakdown of what they do:Starlink satellites orbit the Earth at low altitudes (about 550 km), creating a network that covers most of the planet. Their primary function is to provide internet access, particularly to remote or underserved areas that don’t have reliable broadband infrastructure. This includes rural communities, ships, aircraft, and even areas affected by natural disasters.
People in rural or underserved areas now have a way to access reliable internet without the need for terrestrial infrastructure like fiber-optic cables or phone lines. Starlink is used by ships, planes, and military units, as well as in areas hit by natural disasters, where conventional communication networks are down.
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I used the heavens-above.com website to track the satellites:
The following satellites have recently passed over Ireland:
1. Starlink-3648
2. Starlink-31143
3. Starlink-1402
4. Starlink 34451
5. Starlink -1240
Starlink satellites, developed by SpaceX, are part of a global satellite network that provides high-speed, low-latency internet access. Here’s a breakdown of what they do:
Starlink satellites orbit the Earth at low altitudes (about 550 km), creating a network that covers most of the planet. Their primary function is to provide internet access, particularly to remote or underserved areas that don’t have reliable broadband infrastructure. This includes rural communities, ships, aircraft, and even areas affected by natural disasters.
People in rural or underserved areas now have a way to access reliable internet without the need for terrestrial infrastructure like fiber-optic cables or phone lines. Starlink is used by ships, planes, and military units, as well as in areas hit by natural disasters, where conventional communication networks are down. -
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I downloaded the Satellite Tracker app and enjoyed learning how to use it, seeing the satellites that are currently visible over Ireland and tracking them. These are 5 satellites that will pass over Ireland in the coming hours:
1. Cosmos2219: Launched from Kazakhstan in 1992. It’s used for surveillance and military observations.
2. USA81: A US Air Force signals intelligence satellite, launched in 1192 and used for surveillance and military observations.
3. Intercosmos 25: a Soviet satellite launched on December 18, 1991, to study the interaction of artificial electron and plasma beams with the Earth’s ionosphere and magnetosphere.
4. CSS: China Space Station (CSS), also known as Tiangong. The station is designed to facilitate various scientific experiments in areas like space medicine, astronomy, and technology development.
5. Aqua: Aqua is a major international Earth Science satellite mission centered at NASA. Launched on May 4, 2002, the satellite has six different Earth-observing instruments on board and is named for the large amount of information it collects about water in the Earth system.-
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Hi Marian,
Thanks for sharing! I am delighted to see that you enjoyed learning how to use it. Like most apps, once you give it a go it quickly becomes easy to use. I have no doubt your learners will also enjoy the opportunity.Your list of satellites makes quite the read! From Kazakhstan’s military observations to NASA’s water monitoring, our skies are an unseen hive of activity, until this app makes it all visible. This activity is a wonderful springboard for further learning. The AQUA mission is an interesting one with plenty of further resources, including videos to explore with learners.
It can also open the door to discussions on space careers. Aeronautical engineer Norah Patten will be the first Irish person in Space next year as part of a research team-who knows if someone from your classroom will be next?!
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Number 2: Pitch on EO Browser
The EO Browser is a free, user-friendly web tool developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) that allows users to visualize, analyze, and download satellite imagery from multiple Earth observation missions like Sentinel, Landsat, and MODIS. Whether you’re tracking deforestation, monitoring urban growth, or observing climate change, EO Browser gives you real-time access to satellite data from anywhere in the world—no special software or advanced technical skills required.
Classroom Use:
In class, I’d use EO Browser to bring geography, environmental science, and data analysis to life. For example, students could explore changes in vegetation over time using NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) or study the impact of natural disasters by comparing satellite images before and after an event. It’s a hands-on way to engage students with real-world issues using authentic data, encouraging critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and digital literacy in a practical, visual format.
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I want to list 5 satellites that passed Ireland recently. These satellites have recently passed overhead at visible brightness levels. They represent a mix of scientific research, environmental monitoring, communications infrastructure, and national space innovation—highlighting the variety of missions we can spot right over Ireland.
1. International Space Station (ISS)
A large, habitable research station in low Earth orbit. It conducts micro‑gravity experiments in biology, physics, astronomy, and Earth science Vito Technology+6Satellite Tracker 3D+6EOS Data Analytics+6.2. Starlink satellites
Part of Elon Musk’s SpaceX internet constellation; often seen as bright “trains” soon after launch astronomy.ie+1Irish Examiner+1.3. EIRSAT‑1
Ireland’s first satellite (a 2U CubeSat launched Dec 1, 2023), currently in sun‑synchronous orbit, testing gamma‑ray detection, surface coatings, and magnetic attitude control Wikipedia.4. Sentinel‑1A
An ESA radar‑imaging satellite in polar orbit, monitoring land, ice, and ocean surface changes over Ireland EOS Data Analytics.5. Terra
A NASA Earth‑observation satellite that tracks global environmental changes, including vegetation and climate data Satellite Tracker 3D. -
Question 3:
The ESA resource From the Ground and From the Sky is an engaging tool for teaching climate and environmental science to children. It introduces satellite imagery and Earth observation in a way that’s accessible and visually stimulating, helping pupils understand how scientists monitor changes in our planet from space.
In the classroom, this resource can be used to spark curiosity through hands-on activities. For example, children can compare satellite images with ground-level photos to identify changes in forests, oceans, or cities. Teachers can guide pupils in creating their own “Earth Watch” journals, where they record observations and predictions about environmental changes. The resource also supports map-reading skills and introduces basic geography concepts, making it ideal for cross-curricular learning.
Group discussions around topics like deforestation or melting ice caps can be paired with creative tasks such as drawing or storytelling. These activities not only build scientific understanding but also encourage empathy and a sense of responsibility toward the environment and the future of our planet.
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The pitch I would use for a colleague would be the following
EO Browser is a free, web-based tool that lets you access real satellite imagery of the Earth from space — in near real-time. You can view and analyse data from multiple satellites, like Sentinel or Landsat, to observe environmental changes such as deforestation, urban growth, air pollution, and even climate impacts like melting glaciers or drought. It’s like Google Earth but with scientific layers you can filter and compare over time. It’s perfect for visualizing how our planet is changing, and it doesn’t require any downloads or coding knowledge.
In the classroom, EO Browser can be an engaging way to bring geography, science, and climate change to life. Ways i would use this in the classroom would be to highlight local and global changes. Students could select a local area and compare satellite images over time (e.g., 2015 vs. 2025) to observe urban growth, forest loss, or coastline erosion. For global issues, we can look at places like the Amazon rainforest, Arctic ice sheets, or areas affected by wildfires or drought.
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I agree Rachael, the EO browser would be a fantastic way to show comparisons between places now and even 10 0r 20 years ago. It could be good to even show them what it looked like the year they were born and get them to examine the differences and discuss what might have caused it. The satelite images give so much information that cannot be seen from the ground.
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Here are five satellites that have recently passed over Ireland:
International Space Station (ISS) – The ISS orbits Earth about 16 times daily and has been spotted over Ireland in recent evenings. It serves as a microgravity laboratory conducting experiments in biology, physics, and technology.
Starlink satellites – SpaceX’s internet-beaming Starlink trains have been visible over Ireland shortly after launch. These low-orbit satellites are building a global broadband network.
EIRSAT‑1 – Ireland’s first CubeSat launched in December 2023. It’s a 2U CubeSat carrying Irish-developed payloads to test radiation sensors, thermal coatings, and attitude control technology.
ACS3 Solar Sail – A solar-sail demonstrator in a sun-synchronous orbit that has recently passed over Ireland. It’s testing innovative propulsion using sunlight for satellite maneuvering.
Miscellaneous Starlink chains – Separate chains of Starlink satellite groups frequently pass over Irish skies, marking SpaceX’s ongoing expansion of its megaconstellation.Together, these sightings offer pupils insight into diverse satellite missions—from space station research and global internet access to advanced propulsion and national space achievements—with plentiful opportunities for STEM classroom exploration.
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I downloaded Orbitrack and couldn’t believe the amount of satellites passing over IReland. It took loads of my time playing around with it. Over the past couple of months, a bunch of satellites have flown over Ireland, doing all kinds of interesting stuff. First up, there’s EIRSAT-1, which is actually Ireland’s very first satellite. It’s a small CubeSat built by University College Dublin, and it’s mainly looking at cosmic events like gamma-ray bursts and testing new tech. There were lots of Starlink satellites from SpaceX have been passing by. Theirpurpose is to bring fast internet to people everywhere, even in remote areas. Amazon’s Project Kuiper satellites have also made an appearance. They’re similar to Starlink from a quick Google search. There are also NOAA weather satellites flying overhead, collecting data to help predict the weather and study climate changes. And of course, the International Space Station (ISS) keeps orbiting around us too, where astronauts do all kinds of science experiments. It was amazing to see this and I think it would be hugely beneficial for the kids to use these apps.
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Hello Katie,
Thanks for sharing. Isn’t it amazing to see what is happening up there? Once you become familiar and confident using the app, it becomes a rabbit hole; time flies when you are having fun! There is so much to discover, only a click away.
Your evident enthusiasm for this will add to your learners’ excitement and engagement with this activity in the classroom. With a teacher having confidence in navigating the app and passion for the topic, learners will soon acquire the skills to explore the skies beyond what can be seen and learn of its passing satellites. It’s a great springboard for project ideas-from surviving on the ISS and its future decommissioning, etc.
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International Space Station (ISS) 🌐
ISS passes over Ireland regularly—it was visible recently just after 8 pm before heading over Orion’s Belt .
Starlink Satellites
Dozens of Starlink “trains” have been seen across Irish skies in recent weeks astronomy.ieFind Starlink. These satellites form a network to provide global internet connectivity.
Copernicus Sentinel‑2
A Sentinel‑2 satellite flew over east‑coast Ireland at midday, capturing multispectral imagery used for tracking vegetation, land use, and coastal changes n2yo.com+2Find Starlink+2astronomy.ie+2weatheire.com.
EIRSAT‑1
Ireland’s first CubeSat, launched in late 2023, continues in a sun‑synchronous orbit and has recently passed overhead Wikipedia. It carries sensors for gamma‑ray bursts, material testing, and attitude control—an inspiring local mission.
NOAA Weather Satellite (e.g., NOAA‑18/19)
While exact pass data wasn’t listed, these satellites regularly pass over Ireland, collecting data on clouds, sea‑surface temperature, and ozone levels detectable via public tracking tools.By engaging with satellite tracking apps and linking orbital passes with mission objectives, pupils develop real-world digital skills and learn to interpret scientific data.
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Hi Rachel,
It’s really cool to see how many different satellites pass over Ireland and how varied their missions are from the ISS and Starlink internet network to Ireland’s own CubeSat, EIRSAT-1. I like how you pointed out the practical uses, like Sentinel-2 tracking vegetation and NOAA satellites monitoring weather and ozone levels. It really shows how satellites are helping us understand and protect our planet. I agree that using satellite tracking apps in class would be a great way to get pupils interested in science and tech while building digital skills. It makes learning more hands-on and connects classroom topics to real-world science.
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Nose high up in the sky activities.
In general these activities are excellent because the pupils will learn how their senses can be used to describe weather conditions. Pupils will also build a small meteorological station and take weather measurements of rain, wind speed and air temperature. They will learn that scientists need to have access to reliable instruments to make precise weather forecasting.
Activity 1
In doing this this activity on the proverbs is excellent as it allow children to connect the meaning behind proverbs to actual weather activities eg
“A ring around the moon or sun and rain approaches on the run” this may indicate that a change in weather is on the way. In summer months it may be an indication of approaching storms.Activity 2
Sensing the weather is a useful activity in that you can do it by just sight, hearing and sensing how hot and cold the weather is. You come to realise that more accurate equipment is needed to produce precise measurements of weather eg thermometers and instruments to measure rainfall.
Activity 3
I like the activity on measuring wind speed because the equipment can be assembled very easily at home or school with plastic cups and wooden sticks.
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I downloaded the Satellite Tracker app and used it to explore satellites which have passed over Ireland recently. Firstly I have to say I was amazed at how many satellites there are passing Ireland on a daily basis and the variety of purposes which they serve.
The International Space Station (ISS) regular passed over Ireland- I have set up notifications on the app so it tells me when it is going to pass. The ISS is of course a multi-naitonal project and is involved in scientitc research and education through its live broadcasts and social media networks.
Another satellite which passed Ireland recently is NOAA 20 which is a weather and environmental monitoring satellite. It orbits the earth from pole to pole and is used to enhance hurricane tracking, tornado formation, to collect data on atmospheric temperature, clouds, sea temperature etc.
The Terra Satellite (NORAD ID 25994) is an Earth observation satellite operated by NASA. Its purpose is to monitor Earth’s land surface, oceans, snow and ice, to observe the Earth’s atmosphere and to provide long term data to help us understand how Earth is changing and the consequences of these changes for all life on Earth.
A number of Starlink satellties such as STARLINK-34482 have passed over Ireland recently. The purpose of these satellites to provide high-speed, low- latency broadband service.
USA 81 which is United States miltiary signals intelligence satellite also passed over Ireland recently. This satellite is considered a classified military asset so detailed information about it is not availble.
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2: The EO Browser is a free, easy-to-access online tool provided by the European Space Agency that gives users the ability to view and analyse real satellite images of Earth. It uses data from satellites like Sentinel-2 to show changes in the environment over time, including things like changes in forests, water bodies, cities and farmland. This makes it possible to observe how natural areas and human activities affect the planet, both locally and globally. The tool includes historical images too, so you can compare how a place looked years ago with how it looks now, which is really useful for understanding climate change and environmental issues in a visual way.
In the classroom, I would use the EO Browser to support lessons in science and geography by helping students explore real data about our planet. They could investigate topics like deforestation, urban expansion, or the effects of droughts by comparing satellite images from different dates. This would encourage them to develop skills in data interpretation, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry. Students could work in groups to research and prepare reports or presentations based on what they find, making learning more hands-on and engaging. Overall, EO Browser is a fantastic tool for connecting abstract environmental concepts to real-world evidence, helping pupils better understand and appreciate the impact of climate change and human activity on the Earth.
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Hi Megan,
Thanks for sharing. It’s great to see your appreciation for this browser and its extensive functionality-as you said, it’s really useful for understanding climate change and environmental issues in a visual way.
It’s so important that we see how dramatically some aspects of our world have changed over time, and browsers like this capture the shifting baselines, including the expansion of urban areas and farmland at the expense of biodiversity.
I really like your plan to get learners to conduct research and prepare reports, making use of their skills and confidence using this tool to get a deeper understanding of our changing world, the challenges we face, and solutions.
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5 satellites that have passed over Ireland recently:
Observations and work they are engaged in:
I downloaded the app Satellite tracker by Star Walk for a 7 day free trial. It is only 99c a month so it is not a hefty subscription anyway! I loved having a look around and using the touch screen to move the world map, zoom in on satellites for a closer look etc. I could see how the pupils in a class would find it exciting on an iPad.
1. Resurs-DK no.1:
Is a Russian Earth observation satellite designed for high resolution imaging and data.
2. ALOS :
The Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS), nicknamed “Daichi”, is a series of Japanese Earth observation satellites primarily focused on land monitoring and disaster response.
3. ADEOS II:
The ADEOS-II (Advanced Earth Observing Satellite-II), also known as Midori-II, was a Japanese Earth observation satellite designed to monitor global environmental changes, including those related to the water and energy cycles, and the carbon cycle.
4. Ajisai:
Ajisai, also known as the Experimental Geodetic Satellite (EGS), is a Japanese satellite whose primary mission is to precisely determine the positions of fiducial points on the Japanese islands. It does this by utilizing a network of laser ranging (SLR) stations around the world to track the satellite and its precisely known orbit. Ajisai is also used for satellite direction determination and photometric observations using mirrors on its surface.
5. Envisat:
Envisat, an Earth observation satellite developed by the European Space Agency (ESA), was designed to monitor and study the Earth’s land, oceans, atmosphere, and ice caps. It was equipped with 10 instruments that measured various parameters related to these areas, including radar, altimetry, and optical and infrared sensors. The satellite’s data was used to understand long-term environmental changes and the impact of climate change, as well as to support operational services for crisis response.
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3. I downloaded and completed the pupil activities, From the ground and from the sky (as linked in Slide 19) and thought they would be really interesting to do with young people.
I think that the activities would generate great discussions and really get the students to think about the different information we can get from satelite images and how useful they can be.The Match the pictures activity would get the young people to really examine the photos for geographical details such as sea,land surface and altitude, buildings, rivers etc and to talk about why some of this looks so different from above.
An extension of this would be to generate satelite images of the school and local area and compare it to the view the young people are used to seeing from ground.
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If I were explaining the EO Browser to a colleague, I’d describe it as a free, user-friendly satellite image tool that gives access to real-time and historical data of Earth’s surface. It’s an amazing way to visualise environmental changes like deforestation, pollution, wildfires, or ice melt, all with just a few clicks.
In the classroom, I’d use the EO Browser to support lessons in geography, science, and even history. For example, we could compare images of the same place across different years and discuss what’s changed and why. Pupils could also explore areas they know, like our school or town, making the experience more meaningful.
It’s ideal for senior classes and ties in well with digital learning frameworks too. I’d encourage pupils to use it as part of research projects or presentations on climate-related topics. It supports STEM learning in a very real and visual way.-
Hi Denis. I really like how you’ve described the EO Browser. It sounds like such a powerful yet accessible tool for both teachers and students. Using it to compare images over time is a great way to help pupils understand real-world environmental changes, and I agree that linking it to places they know would make it even more engaging. It’s also great to see how well it fits into different subject areas and supports digital learning. I love the idea of using it for research projects. What a brilliant way to bring STEM learning to life!
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Hi Denis
I like your description of the EO browser. It takes a bit of work initially to get used to how to navigate it but once you have figured it out it can be very useful as a tool to carry out a cross curricular study of your local area or any other area in the world. As you said looking at images of the same area in different time periods is a good way to study land use change and a variety of environmental factors and looking at different areas in the same time period is good for comparisons of places in different climate zones or those that experience different weather events.
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I really like how you’ve described the EO Browser—it truly is a powerful tool for making environmental changes visible and relatable. Using it to explore familiar places like the school or local area is a great idea and makes the learning more personal for students. I agree that it fits perfectly into senior class projects and works well across subjects. It’s such a great way to bring STEM and digital learning to life through real-world data. I’m definitely inspired to try it out more with my own class!
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2. Elevator pitch
EO browser is a free, accessible, online platform that provides users with access to real-time satellite imagery as well as historical data of the Earth from space. These images can be viewed in true colour or by using advanced features such as burn ratio moisture etc. It also allows provides users with tools such as measuring areas drawing AOIs and exporting data. It is a fantastic resource for exploring environmental changes over time without needing to download anything or have coding skills.
In the classroom, I would use EO Browser as an engaging resource to support learning in both geography and science. Students could explore the topic of climate change and learn about coastal erosion, land-use change, deforestation etc by comparing real- time satellite imagery with historical images. I would get the students in pairs to choose and explore nearby locations known to them, and to compare the environmental changes they notice from the year they were born vs in the current year.
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Hi Aoife. I agree that the EO browser is a great way for children to explore environmental changes over time. It is such an easy-to-use tool with huge learning potential. It appeals to kinaesthetic, tactile and visual learners and provides an interactive and fun way for children to explore topics such as climate change. It can sometimes be difficult for children to see changes in coastlines from erosion, land-use changes etc as they are slow processes, but by comparing current imagery to historical records it makes it much easier to see these changes. It can be particularly interesting for children to explore changes in their local area.
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Hi Aoife,
Great pitch! I like how you mention that this does not require coding skills or downloading. It really is an accessible, user-friendly experience.
I can see you have given consideration to how you plan on using this to cover a range of topics, and the imagery provided will certainly help bring those topics to life.
I love how you plan to get learners to tie in their locality, exploring changes that have occurred since the year they were born-this is a great way to make it personal and meaningful, and could lead to discussions with family/neighbours about the changes that have occurred.
I hope you enjoy the rest of the course!
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Nose Up High in the Sky is a brilliant resource for introducing children to weather observation and recording. I especially like the lesson on weather proverbs. It’s a fun and simple way to show how people used to predict the weather by observing nature. It helps children understand that, even without modern tools, people in the past were very clever and used what they had to figure out what the weather might do. It’s also a lovely opportunity for children to talk to older family members and learn from their experiences, helping to build a connection between generations. I think it’s great that kids can try out making their own weather predictions using traditional sayings. It really makes the learning hands-on and enjoyable. The resource is really easy to use and works well with all age groups, from Junior Infants right up to sixth class.
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Hi Sarah, I also found ‘Nose up High in the sky’ to be a lovely resource for introducing weather. For the Junior classes I would ask the children to ‘sense the weather’ by using touch, sight, smell and hearing to describe the weather conditions. There is potential to link weather lessons with other subjects. In Gaeilge themes such as an aimsir, pupils could talk about meanings behind seanfhocail relating to the weather. In history, pupils can speak to an older family member, record their sayings and discuss significant weather events they experienced growing up. It is a fantastic resource that I will certainly use over the year and in the future with different age groups.
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I used the ‘Heavens Above’ satellite tracker where I could see a live map of various satellites orbiting Earth. Five satellites that have passed Ireland recently are: Starlink-2190(48564), Starlink-34367(64452), Starlink-3299(50831), Starlink-4030(52698) and Starlink-32383(61891). Starlink is a satellite network developed by SpaceX that provides low-cost internet to remote locations. There are nearly 8,000 of these satellites currently in orbit. Satellite trackers are a great way for children to see in real time how satellites move over our planet and how they work. In so doing, children will be using their investigative, communication and higher-order thinking skills to research, analyse and observe how satellites help us in our day-to-day lives. They will learn how satellites help us to track changes in the Earth’s landscape over time (e.g. deforestation, sea level rises, atmospheric gases), to enable technologies like GPS, and to help us communicate with our friends and family in other parts of the world.
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Hi Andy, very interesting that Starlink is such a prominent satellite over Ireland. I like the idea of getting the children to investigate to develop higher order thinking skills – this would make a great group task. Having seen so many ideas of how we use satellites, it would great to add the historical concepts and compare and contrast mapping vs GPS etc. Classes could look at how communication has been transformed because of satellites.
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I have never given satellites much thought other than spotting some in the skies on a clear night. Its amazing to think how many pass over and the amazing research that is happening far out in space. I used the Satellite tracker and Oribitrack app. Some of the satellites passing over Ireland recently are Deimos, Sac-D Aquarius, Maroc Tubsat and a number of STAR LINK satellites. You can find view each satellites in 3D and view the countries they represent. There is a countdown timer as to when they will pass over your current location. You can see the speed they travel this would be fascinating for student to track a satellite as it passes over countries.
There is so much potential for integration with maths and geography. I would then use the EO Browser with pupils to see the type of imagery and research these satellites can carry out. The EO browser allows you to view satellite imagery of agriculture, air pollution, floods, vegetation and forestry, oceans etc.
I found viewing images of Australia very interesting and comparing them to images of Ireland. This would be ideal for studying natural disasters such as wild fires or volcanic activity. It gives pupils a hands on experience for researching projects. -
Elevator Pitch-
The EO Browser is a free, user-friendly online tool that gives instant access to real satellite imagery from missions like the European Space Agency’s Sentinel series. With just a few clicks, users can explore current and historical images of the Earth’s surface, making it possible to track environmental changes such as deforestation, wildfires, urban development, or glacier melt. It’s an incredibly powerful way to visualise the impact of climate change and human activity on a global and local scale—all without needing advanced technical skills.I would incorporate the EO Browser into my STEM and geography lessons to make learning more interactive and grounded in real-world examples. By analysing satellite imagery from different time periods, students could explore environmental changes—such as how our local area has developed or how natural disasters have affected certain regions. This hands-on approach encourages students to think critically, interpret data, and draw meaningful conclusions. It also opens up valuable discussions on topics like climate change, human impact on the environment, and global sustainability challenges.
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Option 2
The EO Browser is a free, user-friendly online platform that provides access to a vast collection of real satellite imagery from the European Space Agency, including data from satellites like Sentinel-2. Users can explore and analyse Earth’s surface using both real-time and historical data, allowing them to observe changes in land use, vegetation, water bodies, urban development, and more over time.
This powerful tool makes it easy to visualise environmental changes and the global and local impacts of climate change—such as deforestation, melting glaciers, or wildfires. Archived and current images can be compared to detect changes, and the platform allows users to download and save imagery for future analysis. It’s an incredible way to turn abstract environmental concepts into visual, concrete examples.
In the classroom, I would use the EO Browser to support cross-curricular STEM learning. Students could examine satellite images, identify environmental changes, and present their findings through discussions, written reports, or multimedia presentations. This promotes key STEM skills such as scientific observation, digital literacy, and data interpretation. It also encourages critical thinking as students use real-world evidence to draw conclusions about the effects of climate change on people, places, and ecosystems. The EO Browser is not just an engaging tool—it’s a gateway to global environmental awareness -
Option 1:
Satellite 1: International Space Station (ISS)
Purpose: A habitable space station conducting scientific research in microgravity across various disciplines, including biology, physics, and astronomy.Satellite 2: Hubble Space Telescope
Purpose: A space-based observatory capturing high-resolution images of celestial objects, contributing significantly to our understanding of the universe.Satellite 3: Starlink Satellites (SpaceX)
Purpose: Part of SpaceX’s initiative to provide global broadband internet coverage through a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites.Satellite 4: Aqua (NASA)
Purpose: An Earth-observing satellite collecting data on the Earth’s water cycle, including evaporation, precipitation, and water vapor.Satellite 5: NOAA-19 (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
Purpose: A polar-orbiting satellite providing meteorological data, including temperature, humidity, and cloud cover, aiding in weather forecasting.
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