Timber Ridge Middle School teacher Steve Hanson is guiding his science classes in an experience of taking photos from the International Space Station.  In a window of 3 days, students select the places they would like to view from space. (example: Tsuanmi disaster areas of India )  Students use a paper map to determine the latitude and longitude and send these coordinates to a computer linked to the International Space Station.

With the help of several official charts the students follow a timetable and orbit of the space station.  They use this information to request a photo.  Their are deadlines for the request but once confirmed the space station will snap a photo as it orbits past the location determined by the student.  Photos are available for viewing on a website. Students can view weather patterns, island and coastal land formations, volcanic activity, etc.