Engaging Families With GLOBE Observer

Graphical Abstract

Abstract

As part of the international GLOBE Program, GLOBE Observer focuses efforts on out-of-school audiences with the objective of engaging new citizen scientists worldwide. Using the free mobile app, volunteers in GLOBE countries contribute to monitoring clouds, water (especially as a habitat for mosquitoes), plants (trees and other land cover), and help identify change over time. These data can be used to help interpret and augment NASA satellite data and are openly available to view and explore. As more families look for science-at-home opportunities, GLOBE Observer provides experiences that are unique, educational, and fun.

Keywords:

• Informal Education
• Citizen Science
• Climate Change
• Earth & Space Science
• Multilingual Learners
• Environmental Science
• STEM

Acknowledgments

This project is based upon work supported by NASA under IGES award No. NNX16AE28A: The NASA Earth Science Education Collaborative. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Thanks to Vivienne Byrd, Los Angeles Public Library; Donna Blomquist, LaSalle Public Library, Illinois; Anne Holland and the NASA@ My Library project; Randi Neff and the Great Smokey Mountains STEM Collaborative; and the families that field-tested the activities and provided ideas for improving and creative suggestions for science from home.

Notes on contributors section

Theresa Schwerin ([email protected]) is Vice President for Education at the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies in Arlington, Virginia.

Heather A. Fischer is a Senior Researcher at the STEM Research Center at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon.

Heather Mortimer is a Designer and Writer at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center/ Science Systems and Applications Inc. in Greenbelt, Maryland.

Related Websites

NASA Earth Science Education Collaborative (NESEC) – https://nesec.strategies.org/

Our Favorite GLOBE Observer Activities for Families – https://observer.globe.gov/family-science

The GLOBE Program – https://www.globe.gov

GLOBE Observer – https://observer.globe.gov/

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Theresa Schwerin

Theresa Schwerin ([email protected]) is Vice President for Education at the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies in Arlington, Virginia.

Heather A. Fischer

Heather A. Fischer is a Senior Researcher at the STEM Research Center at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon.

Heather Mortimer

Heather Mortimer is a Designer and Writer at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center/ Science Systems and Applications Inc. in Greenbelt, Maryland.