Field data collection is often crucial to the success of investigations based upon remotely sensed data. Students of environmental remote sensing typically learn about the discipline through classroom lectures, a textbook, and computer laboratory sessions focused on the interpretation and processing of aircraft and satellite data. The importance of field validation of the data and products derived from them is rarely demonstrated through a field experience. Exercises designed for two separate courses are described: one at the undergraduate level and one at the graduate level. Through the comparison of pre- and post-test results, it was concluded that efforts to engage students in remote sensing data collection significantly benefits their understanding of the physical basis of environmental remote sensing (radiation/Earth surface interaction).