Hands-on GPS and remote sensing training for high school learners during IGARSS 2009 in Cape Town, South Africa

Continuing the commitment of the Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society (GRSS) to education and outreach, the IEEE 2009 International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS) conference in Cape Town, South Africa provided an opportunity for over 400 local high school students to engage in hand-son GPS training and remote sensing workshops. Mafeteng Schools Environment Network (MSEN) and the Students´ Health and Welfare Centres Organization (SHAWCO) worked with the University of Cape Town (UCT) in identifying student learners from socioeconomically challenged populations in metropolitan Cape Town. Activities included a remote sensing art workshop, Mathematics of Remote Sensing team contest, and a scavenger hunt. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scientists led discussions and demonstrations of educational products to help build understanding of the science of Earth´s systems and the stewardship of our planet, and to foster avenues to explore careers in science. This paper details the education outreach events and gives demographic information on the participants.