The processes and implications of urban growth are studied in a variety of disciplines as urban growth affects both the physical and human landscape. Remote sensing methods provide ways to visualize and mathematically represent urban growth; and resultant land cover change data enable both quantitative and qualitative analysis. This article helps teachers by providing remote sensing vocabulary and process information. It also demonstrates that: implementing remote sensing methods fosters critical and spatial thinking, activities are disciplinarily integrative, and activities are applicable to many education standards. The exercises presented outline procedures applicable to any geographic area under student investigation. (Contains 6 figures and 2 notes.)