The value of satellite remote sensing as a digital tool for supporting (science) education is highlighted through:

• The vast variety of applications for the real world;
• The different ways of presenting (textbook, animation, Internet) and assimilating the data (interpreting colours or processing images with software);
• The rich content of satellite images that offers a lot of knowledge in short time about many topics;
• Strengthening of natural science education while working on present questions;
• The opportunity to visualise real and present topics and questions concerning the earth atmosphere and environment with near real time images, which is extremely motivating.

Satellite remote sensing can support learning activities in multiple science classes. Satellite images can be stimulating for students and helps to enhance their understanding of science (education). The abundance of existing satellite remote sensing applications covers different educational levels and provides a good opportunity for cross-curriculum teaching.

Satellite remote sensing applications can serve different learning styles since satellite images can be involved in a lesson plan as photos or videos, projected or printed material, totally guided or a totally independent exercise.
Also it can be used as a case study of an environmental issue related to a real life situation and can be interpreted within a working group or individually. This offers the possibility to develop lesson plans for all types of learners and difficulty levels, whose teaching needs vary from lectures and brainstorming to field work and observations.

Furthermore, satellite images can enhance or even replace some teaching methods. For example, a satellite image can be additional material to the Earth globe sphere, used for a geography lesson or it can replace a common map in an exercise for spatial scales. Also, in the environmental science lesson and especially in the chapter of natural disasters and human induced environmental changes satellite images are key tools for the learning process.

Competencies

Using satellite remote sensing helps to develop and improve a wide range of student’s competencies and skills, such as:

• Spatial orientation competence, method competence, evaluating and practice skills;
• Multidisciplinary knowledge and thinking;
• Problem solving;
• Enhanced critical thinking;
• Environmental awareness;
• Digital and technological competencies;
• Working in teams;
• Problem-oriented working.