Dr. Jan Eitel and his graduate students John Patrick and Tyler Bland from the McCall Outdoor Science School (MOSS) presented their innovative work using STELLA devices to teach elementary school students about remote sensing and climate science. During their June 11 presentation, they shared how they incorporated the NASA-developed handheld spectrometer into field lessons about photosynthesis, carbon cycles, and environmental monitoring with fifth through eighth grade students.

Both graduate students reported high levels of student engagement when using the STELLA devices, noting that the technology provided a hands-on way to make abstract satellite concepts tangible for young learners. The presentations highlighted how students collected spectral data from ponderosa pine needles to calculate various vegetation indices and connect remote sensing to carbon uptake processes. According to Patrick and Bland, student survey results showed significant growth in interest in climate science, with many students specifically mentioning their enjoyment of the STELLA technology. Future improvements to the devices were discussed, including better field data display capabilities and opportunities for long-term phenological studies with students.