Expanding STEM Education in Secondary Schools: An Innovative Geography-Physics Course Focusing on Remote Sensing

Abstract

A new elective school subject called ‘Geography-Physics’ was developed by the Universities of Bonn and Bochum in cooperation with a German high school. With a focus on remote sensing, the modules of this STEM subject convey information, and present methodology and applications. There are two main sections: the physics of remote sensing, including both mathematics and computer science, and the geographic applications. GIS is a major part of the exploitation of Earth Observation data, but the use of GIS and EO data is not feasible in school lessons due to financial and time constraints. Instead, small specialized GIS tools with embedded EO imagery are used. The tools were developed by two projects, FIS and Columbus Eye/KEPLER ISS, and evaluation and meetings with experts were conducted in close cooperation with the partner school. The first 2-year course of the new subject was completed in summer 2018. The teachers implementing the course have since re-evaluated their concept and revised the syllabus to enhance applicability in professional contexts, to reduce redundancies with other subjects, and to ensure that the overall content fits into the allotted number of teaching hours. The pupils also evaluated the materials and the subject.