There are so many great resources on the Natural Inquirer website that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s one of the reasons we created this blog – so we can highlight important tools and hopefully spark some ideas for how you can use them yourself, whether you’re in a traditional classroom, an interpretive area of a visitor center, or with kids at home.
Let’s get to know the GLOBE Program!
This science and education program is a great opportunity to get kids involved in real data collection with real world impacts. GLOBE stands for “Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment” and that’s exactly what they do. Learn all about Earth’s systems around the world using their educational materials and data collection projects.
Learn more about the GLOBE Program
The Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program is an international science and education program that provides students and the public worldwide with the opportunity to participate in data collection and the scientific process, and contribute meaningfully to our understanding of the Earth system and global environment.
GLOBE is supported by NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Science Foundation, and the U.S. Department of State.
As part of the GLOBE program, students (or anyone) can participate in one of their data collection projects and learn how to accurately collect and report data. GLOBE students can use these publicly available datasets for their own research projects, just like scientists do.
Download the GLOBE app and sign up to participate in one of their data collection projects:
- Clouds – Upload cloud observations and photos to pair with satellite data
- Mosquito Habitat Mapper – Upload observations to help scientists model mosquito population trends and to help public health experts reach out to communities at risk
- Land Cover – Add to a global map of landcover use by “adopting” a soccer-field sized area to make observations
- Trees – Measure tree heights using the app to contribute to studies on forests and carbon storage
Moon Trees
The Artemis Moon Trees project was a joint effort of the USDA Forest Service and NASA. Check out the learning module for articles and activities on tree biology and growth. In the “Globe Tree Observer: Becoming Moon Tree Citizen Scientists” section, watch a few helpful videos to learn how to use the GLOBE Trees app to measure and record tree heights.
Educators have been sharing ways they’ve integrated GLOBE materials with the Natural Inquirer. Browse through their list of “crosswalks” between our organizations to find lots of great ideas. For example, students can read our article on a study using satellites to measure carbon levels in Hawai’ian forests. Then students can use a GLOBE lesson plan to learn how to interpret Landsat maps and use these maps to study land cover.
You can also read GLOBE’s blog where they feature lesson plans grouped by grade level that incorporate Natural Inquirer and GLOBE materials. We’ll be reposting these on our blog as well over the coming months, so keep an eye out!
