Use of Google Earth Engine for Teaching Coding and Monitoring of Environmental Change: A Case Study among STEM and Non-STEM Students

Ileana A. Callejas (), Liana Huang, Marisol Cira, Benjamin Croze, Christine M. Lee, Taylor Cason, Elizabeth Schiffler, Carlin Soos, Paul Stainier, Zichan Wang, Shanna Shaked, Moana McClellan, Wei-Cheng Hung and Jennifer A. Jay ()
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Ileana A. Callejas: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 91011, USA
Liana Huang: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 91011, USA
Marisol Cira: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 91011, USA
Benjamin Croze: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 91011, USA
Christine M. Lee: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
Taylor Cason: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 91011, USA
Elizabeth Schiffler: Department of Theater, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 91011, USA
Carlin Soos: Department of Information Studies, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 91011, USA
Paul Stainier: Institute of the Environment & Sustainability, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 91011, USA
Zichan Wang: The Cotsen Institute of Archaeology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 91011, USA
Shanna Shaked: Center for Education Innovation & Learning in the Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 91011, USA
Moana McClellan: Institute of the Environment & Sustainability, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 91011, USA
Wei-Cheng Hung: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA
Jennifer A. Jay: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 91011, USA

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 15, 1-13

Abstract: Computational skills are advantageous for teaching students to investigate environmental change using satellite remote sensing. This focus is especially relevant given the disproportionate underrepresentation of minorities and women in STEM fields. This study quantified the effects in both a STEM and a non-STEM class of Earth science remote sensing modules in Google Earth Engine on students’ self-efficacy in coding, understanding remote sensing, and interest in science and a career in environmental research. Additionally, the STEM students engaged in a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) on water quality. Satellite imagery was used to visualize water quality changes in coastal areas around the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown. Pre- and post-surveys reveal statistically significant changes in most students’ confidence to apply coding skills to investigate environmental change and understand remote sensing. The intervention was not sufficient to lead to significant changes in interest in science or a career in environmental research. There is great benefit in incorporating remote sensing labs to teach environmental concepts to STEM and non-STEM students and to bolster the confidence of underrepresented minorities and females in STEM.

Keywords: environmental engineering; satellite remote sensing; course-based undergraduate research experiences; COVID-19; hybrid courses (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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