Climate detectives: Investigate an environmental problem using satellite imagery

Launch date: 9 September 2024
Closing date: 4 April 2025

The European Space Agency ESA’s Climate Detectives school project runs from September to May each year and is aimed at primary and secondary school pupils aged 8 to 19. Pupils will form teams of at least 2 members (there is no limit to the maximum number, so the whole class can take part) to investigate an environmental problem, using mainly satellite images.

The selected national project/team will represent the Czech Republic at the Earth Scientist for a Day meeting in ESA-ESRIN, Italy in May 2025.
Teams will be supported by one teacher or mentor. Climate Detectives – Teacher’s Guide (English) https://climatedetectives.esa.int/teacher-guide/

First, teams will choose and define an environmental problem they would like to investigate (Phase 1).

To investigate their chosen problem, teams will primarily use data from Earth-orbiting satellites, ground-based measurements, or historical research data as they see fit (Phase 2).

Teams will evaluate the problem and try to find ways to mitigate or even solve the problem. The project also includes an awareness campaign and raising awareness of the problem where they live (Phase 3).

The aim of the project is for pupils to begin to see climate as a complex issue that involves many factors and affects both the planet and our immediate environment. At the same time, pupils will learn about the possibilities of using satellite images.

Thanks to the collaboration with ESA’s Climate Office and ESERO offices, the teams will be supported by European scientists in the field of climate science and Earth observation at key moments of the project. Students will receive feedback and evaluation of their project plans from experts.

The teams’ results will be shared on a website that brings together all teams from all ESA Member States.

The different phases of the project

Phase 1: Identification of the environmental problem

Students choose a problem ideally in their own environment. The teacher submits a research proposal on their behalf with a description of the problem, research question, approach and data to be used. An Earth observation expert provides feedback on the proposal.

Stage 2: Explore the problem

Students receive feedback on their proposal. Of course, they can start collecting and analysing data earlier. They draw conclusions based on this. Do they have any questions during the investigation? They can ask questions during the webinar.

Phase 3: Try to make a change

Based on the results of their research, learners decide which actions they want to take. They publish their report on the ESA Climate Detectives Community Platform. An expert will then provide feedback on their results.

Information about Climate Detectives
Team size: 2-30 members + mentor
Age of members: 8-19 years old
Workshop with ESA expert: December 2024
Trip of the national representative team to ESA-ESRIN: 12-13 May 2025
Website: https://www.eserocz.cz/climate-detectives https://climatedetectives.esa.int/