Students analyze the relationship between sea surface height and ocean surface currents by graphing sea height using satellite data.  Note: This lesson is modified from NASA's TOPEX/Poseidon lesson plan.

Students review Earth System phenomena that are affected by soil moisture.  They analyze and evaluate maps of seasonal global surface air temperature and soil moisture data from NASA satellites. Building from their observations, students will select a location in the U.S.

Students analyze two North Pole orthographic data visualizations produced from soil moisture data. After describing trends in the seasonal thaw of land surfaces, students demonstrate their understanding of Earth’s energy budget by explaining relationships and make predictions about the dataset.

GLOBE protocols and learning activities that complement the Soil Moisture phenomenon through hands-on investigations are detailed. 

Explore and connect to the GLOBE Soils protocol bundle. 

Explore and connect to the GLOBE Mosquito protocol bundle. 

Explore and connect to the GLOBE Rivers and Lakes protocol bundle. 

Explore and connect to the GLOBE Water Cycle protocol bundle. 

Explore and connect to the GLOBE Water Quality protocol bundle. 

Explore and connect to the GLOBE Weather protocol bundle.