An inquiry-based learning method was embedded in an introductory undergraduate course
titled ‘Principles of remote sensing’. This course is offered within the Environmental
Resources Engineering program at the State University of New York College of
Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, NY. The purpose of the project, called
‘ESF goes to space’, is to provide students an opportunity to design, construct and
successfully launch and retrieve a remote sensing system into near space (,27 000 m) on a
limited budget (,$300). Students are able to utilize the engineering mechanics, advanced
mathematics and physics gained over their five prior semesters, through an inquiry-based
learning process that integrates coursework, assignments, presentations and fieldwork.
The project was offered in conjunction with the typical course structure of lectures and
laboratory exercises, as studies have found this hybrid project-based learning more
efficient (see discussion in Read, 2010).