The Statistics of Geostationary Lightning Mapper

The normal curve model (density curve) is a topic in statistics that is very vital to understand, to be able to succeed in grasping the concepts of probability models, which is a heavy focus in the AP statistics course. It is necessary to not only understand the concepts behind the normal curve model but to be very proficient in cumulative distribution function (normalCDF) calculations, to make confident and comprehensive inferences, which is at the heart of statistics.

To that end, I have made my lesson focus on the normal curve model, applied with real life applications of the model. During my fellowship with Lockheed Martin, I worked in the OPCoE (Optical Payload Center of Excellence) division, where they oversee the application of optics on satellites to collect data on earth images. One of several projects that I was exposed to is the GLM (Geostationary Lightning Mapper), where this revolutionary technology can detect lightning flashes at an accuracy and efficiency never seen before 2016.

Students will be shown a video of GLM, and be provided Guided Notes on the concepts underlying the GLM instrumentation, and will be actively working with an Excel Activity that highlights the key components of the statistics behind the GLM instrument to make the connection of applied statistics to what they are learning in class.