Celebrate with SATELLITES: An International Polar Year partnership to study Earth's materials

The SATELLITES program uses geospatial technologies to study surface temperatures of Earth's materials, such as sand, soil, grass, and water. Data are collected using Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) protocols, which are then used in research projects that are a part of the International Polar Year (IPY). Students collect data, conduct field campaigns, design inquiry-based research projects, and attend and present at a SATELLITES science conference. One student activity, "Heating Things Up," is included in this article to help introduce students to the factors that affect Earth's surface temperature. This article describes the activity, program, and ways to get involved. (Contains 4 figures.)