What
is the focus of this module? "Korean
Enigma" uses nighttime DMSP remotely sensed images of
North and South Korea to engage students in a comparison of the
social and economic aspects of these two countries. The satellite
images show widespread nighttime illumination in the southern portion
of the peninsula, compared to widespread darkness in the northern
portion.
What
are some interrelated teaching opportunities? The "Korean
Enigma" module provides opportunities for linking the natural
sciences with other areas of study such
as the humanities,
communications, mathematics, geography, economics, social studies,
and world history. Creation of an interdisciplinary curriculum has
recently received a great deal of attention. The Dictionary of Education
describes interdisciplinary curriculum as "a curriculum organization
which cuts across subject-matter lines to focus upon comprehensive
life problems or broad based areas of study that bring together
the various segments of the curriculum into meaningful association"
Good, C. (Ed.). (1973). Dictionary
of education (3rd ed.). New York: McGraw Hill.
What
is the compelling problem that students will face in this module?
Your students have been asked to prepare a report to the U.S. State
Department providing an in-depth look at the reasons for information
contained in a DMSP night view of the Korean peninsula. South Korea
is ablaze with lights while North Korea is shrouded in darkness.
What
issues will students encounter as
they work through this module? How
do the Gross Domestic Products of North and South Korea compare?
How do the systems of
education compare between North and South Korea? Where
can information on military strength of North and South Korea be
found? Which country
has more people? Do
the climates differ? Does
one nation have more natural resources than the other? What
role does communism play in the economics and politics of Korea
today?
What
is the role of remote sensing in this module? DMSP
images can be used to estimate population size, energy use, and
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the two Koreas.
Preparation
Checklist--have you thought of everything?
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