Activity:  Analysis of Landsat images using Gersmehl's Approach

Pre-Activity:  Introduction to perceptions and judgements of color.

Do Now:  Where do we want to live and why?

Aim:  To develop spatial analysis skills using colors in Landsat images.

Major Assignment:  Examine colors in Landsat images and assign quality judgements using Gersmehl's methods and vocabulary.

Processes, Skills, Goals:  Examining a model of land use and assigning value judgements.  Creating written descriptions of land use using a hierarchical approach.  

Content:  Analysis of Landsat Images

Instructions:  Assess what students understand about each level of Gersmehl's hierarchy.  Ask them to write simple sentences to describe each aspect of the Landsat image in terms of an enjoyable place to live.

Materials:  Slide show on Gersmehl's hierarchy of geographical analysis.

Guiding Questions: What are the conditions on the site that you find appealing?  Are there particular aspects that cast a positive or negative aura?  Are there patterns you consider positive or negative?  What personal knowledge are you bringing into your discussion that equates what you know about the real world and the Landsat color for that area?  Are there transitions that have positive or negative connotations?  Were considering areas as groups and assigning value judgements to them?  Are there relationships between these groups?

Homework:  Finish developing paragraphs for each of the first 8 steps in the hierarchy.