Collect Data
Phase 2 is the time to begin gathering the data to answer the research question which was identified in Phase 1. It is important that any data collected is recorded and, to this end, students could have a logbook or recording sheets where relevant information is written down.
The Earth observation data used by students for the Climate Detectives project may be ground measurements OR satellite data. Students may also use both types of data in their investigations.
Ground data
This is the data collected in situ by the students. Important information to be included in a logbook, recording sheet or spreadsheet could include:​
Date​
Time of day​
Location (map & GPS)​
Climate variable (temperature, humidity, wind speed, precipitation, cloud cover)​
Observation records​
Measurements/counts​
Survey responses​
Field experiment data​
Laboratory experiment data​
Evidence of students at work may also be documented by means of:
Photographs of location where data is being collected​
Videos​
Photographs of team members at work (make sure to follow GDPR rules for your school)​
Screenshots of the data being collected​
Labelled sketches of experiments in the field or in the laboratory​
This may be useful in communicating the work done by the students during Phase 3 of the project.
Accessing and using satellite data
There is a fleet of satellites orbiting Earth, collecting data and monitoring climate from space (remotely). These satellites use a wide variety of sensors to provide a bank of current and historical data on a wide range of climate variables. ​
Students have access to data related to land temperature, air quality, vegetation patterns, ice cover, oceans and many more. Data and satellite images can be accessed, and the data retrieved may be used to answer the research question which was identified in Phase 1 of the Climate Detectives project.
If students are using satellite data and images to research their climate problem, they should keep detailed notes including:
Cite the link to the applications being used​
Date on which they searched for the data​
Area searched ​
Record if it is current data or historic data​
Retrieve and save the data​
Download and save satellite images they want to use ​