Analyzing digital images for classroom environmental research Mort Sternheim June, 2012

The Big Idea Digital cameras and computers are widely available for students and teachers. However, they are mainly used for documentation: creating PPT presentations, handouts, posters, etc. STEM DIGITAL shows how digital image analysis can be applied to environmental (and other) research in STEM courses Application to studies of air quality, water quality, arsenic contamination Other examples from climate change, diffusion …

Analyzing Digital Images Software Software package developed by John Pickle, Concord Academy (formerly at the Museum of Science, Boston) Updated by Dan Gullage, STEM Ed Free, student friendly, for Windows and Mac Spatial, spectral (color), intensity, temporal analysis tools You do not have to master all of ADI to do simple tasks You do not have to have a computer lab Color and digital image basics programs Downloads:

Monday –Geometry, Intensity Applications that don’t need deep under- standing of basics Lengths, areas, angles Intensity – albedo Diffusion - CO 2 experiment with BTB Brainstorm geometry, intensity Begin water quality week-long experiment

Tuesday – Basics Adding lights Adding pigments

Pixel = Picture Element 512 x x 16

Tuesday – Color Applications Aiptasia Coral reef model Air Quality Making ozone strips CO 2 air experiments Brainstorm color Water lab tour BBQ

Wednesday – Ozone, Time Ozone measurements Another color application Time Movie Tracker software – falling ball Time lapse – oscillating chemical reaction

Thursday Arsenic in water in rice in pressure treated wood Remediation Lab tour More brainstorming / planning

Friday Explore water treatment options Analyze water quality data Evaluation focus groups Careers Cleanup

Example – studying eye color I was sort of surprised at how quickly they learned to use it… Once I showed them the size of the rectangles I wanted for sampling colors, they just took off. The most interesting thing we discovered was that blue eyes are not blue! Sharon Cumiskey, 8 th grade, Plymouth, MA

More examples Used the ADI software to measure the grain size of known rock thin sections to identify the mineral composition. WOW it really worked and my five 8th grade accelerated Regents Earth Science classes had so much fun using it. Ray Szczerba, Clifton Park, NY Wind Turbine Lesson The Movie Tracker software, worked out well. Students were able to determine the revolutions per minute of their blades. I used this data as the determination for how well their turbine ‘functioned’. I will definitely continue with this analytical tool for the turbine project next year! John Nicholson, Freeport ME Middle School

Academic Year Program Collaborative projects via Moodle Teacher with class, or after school group, or alone Air quality, arsenic, water quality in fall To be decided in spring 3 reduced cost credits available for summer, 3 more for academic year; otherwise, PDP’s Short option: one class project reported on Moodle, 3 summer credits available; otherwise, PDP’s

What We Provide Kit with key materials for air quality, arsenic, water quality collaborative projects $200 budget for classroom materials Stipend $375 summer; $300 more for full academic year program ($675 total) Support via Moodle, More details later…