September 2020 GLOBE News Brief
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2020 GLOBE Cloud Challenge Builds
Citizen Science Community
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The 2020 Community Cloud Challenge, which ended 15 August, received a record number of cloud observations – more than 26,000 observations from more than 80 countries around the world. (That's about half the number received during last year's fall challenge; and almost double the amount of observations received in July and August of 2019.)
In the four weeks of the challenge, the GLOBE citizen science community had the opportunity to learn how eight different NASA scientists study clouds to better understand our atmosphere and the important role citizen science observations play in that. Citizen scientists also had the chance to learn about cloud-related activities from six different GLOBE educators. The following is a breakdown of the observations received: total number of cloud observations: 26,564; total number of satellite matches: 27,269; and total photos received: 66,249.
The GLOBE Program would like to thank everyone who participated in the challenge!
For more information on the challenge, click here.
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GLOBE Announces the 2021 GLOBE IVSS!
Informational Webinar on 07 October 2020 – Reports Due 10 March 2021
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Yes! It is time, once again, for GLOBE students to gear up their curiosity; ignite their scientific imagination; refine their ability to question, examine, and study – and engage in the 2021 GLOBE International Virtual Science Symposium (IVSS). This year’s focus is on data analysis! (Please remember to adhere to all guidelines set by local governments with regard to COVID-19 precautions.) The due date for projects will be 10 March 2021, so mark your calendars.
IVSS Informational Webinar: 07 October
The GLOBE Implementation Office (GIO) will host an informational webinar about the 2021 IVSS at 09:00 a.m. MT/11:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. UTC, on Wednesday, 07 October. Join Amy Barfield and Sarah Parsons to learn more about the 2021 IVSS.
Additional 2021 IVSS Dates/Events to Keep in Mind:
- GLOBE Data Science Intro and Q&A with GIO’s Ksenia Lepikhina: 14 October 2020, 09:00 a.m. MT (To access, click here.)
- Mapping your GLOBE Data with ESRI ArcGIS: 28 October 2020, 09:00 a.m. MT (To access, click here.)
- Reports Accepted: Mid-to-late January through 10 March 2021
- Due Date for Student Reports: 10 March 2021
- Judging Webinar: 29 March 2021, 09:00 a.m. MT (To access, click here.)
- Judging Period: 29 March through 05 April 2021
- Feedback and Virtual Badges Shared: 22 April 2021
- Drawing for Stipends: 22 April 2021
For more information on the 2021 IVSS, click here.
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Year 3 of the Trees Around the GLOBE Student Research Campaign
Has Begun! Read Recent Blog for Details!
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Year 3 of the Trees Around the GLOBE Student Research Campaign has begun! To help you dive into this ongoing scientific adventure, you’ll want to read a recent GLOBE Community Blog written by Brian Campbell, NASA Senior Earth Science Education Specialist: “Year 3 of the Trees Around the GLOBE Student Research Campaign Begins 01 September 2020.”
“The current COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the way students learn, as many students around the world are engaging in hybrid models of instruction, a combination of classroom and at home (virtual) learning. We understand that this does play a vital role in how students participate in GLOBE data collection and student research,” Campbell said in the blog.
“With all this said, beginning in September 2020, Year 3 of the Trees Around the GLOBE Student Research Campaign will commence. With participants from over fifty countries, the campaign includes students, educators, citizen scientists, subject matter experts, and scientists from six continents. The campaign focuses on tree height, with a close relationship with land cover, greenings, and carbon cycle. For the last two years, there have been tens of thousands of campaign-related measurements and observations entered into the GLOBE database for the use of student and professional researchers.”
“As you know, one of the major focuses for this campaign is to have students take tree height, land cover, greenings, and carbon cycle and use this data to develop research projects that focus on the environment in their local areas in order to understand the larger picture of how our planet is changing over time.”
“The Trees Around the GLOBE Student Research Campaign will focus on a Thematic Overarching Research Question (TORQ): Why are or why aren't there trees in my local environment? This question will be at the center of the student research, all of which can be directed to the GLOBE International Virtual Science Symposium (IVSS).”
“On behalf of our campaign team, Peder Nelson, Dorian Janney, Peter Falcon, Dr. Christopher Shuman, and myself,” Campbell said in the blog, “we hope you will continue to be part of the Trees Around the GLOBE Student Research Campaign. Please stay safe and healthy and remember to adhere to all local and national rules and regulations.”
To learn more about the Trees Around the GLOBE Student Research Campaign, click here.
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Join 15 September Trees Around the GLOBE Student Research Campaign Webinar “Kicking Off Year 3 With Tree Height Research Using Satellites and Ground-Based Instruments”
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The Trees Around the GLOBE Student Research Campaign webinar “Kicking Off Year 3 with Tree Height Research Using Satellites and Ground-Based Instruments: The Importance of Tree and Vegetation Research to Help Us Understand our Changing Planet,” will be held on Tuesday, 15 September, at 2:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. UTC).
This is the first “featured science talk” of Year 3 of the campaign. Dr. Nancy Glenn, a researcher from Boise State University, the University of New South Wales, and an Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite 2 (ICESat-2) Mission Early Adopter, will discuss her research with trees and tree canopy height, reinforcing the importance of research for students, and why tree height and land cover are important to helping us understand our planet. Dr. Glenn will also discuss the use of satellite data from ICESat-2 and Landsat, showcasing how this satellite data can be used in research.
If you are interested in joining the webinar, please send an email
To learn more about the Trees Around the GLOBE Student Research Campaign, click here.
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Join 17 September Webinar: “GLOBE Student Investigations with NASA”
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On Thursday, 17 September, at 2:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. UTC), you are invited to join the webinar “GLOBE Student Investigations with NASA.” The webinar will be presented by team members from the NASA Earth Science Education Collaborative (NESEC), GLOBE Mission EARTH, Arctic and Earth SIGNS, GIO, and My NASA Data.
During the webinar, participants will learn about resources and events that can support GLOBE student research during the 2020-2021 school year, and that can prepare students to enter the GLOBE IVSS. Join this interactive webinar and hear from nine presenters about planned campaigns and events, data analysis, and support tools. Dr. Julie Malmberg, GIO, will share the new 2021 IVSS rubrics.
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Check Out the New Mosquito Investigation Notebook
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GLOBE Community: A new learning and research resource is available – the Mosquito Investigation Notebook! The Notebook is intentionally designed to reflect basic aspects of a science notebook, while also incorporating information and activities that build relevant background knowledge, confidence in independent learning and research, and engagement in science.
This resource is dynamic – meaning that the Mosquito Notebook will grow as you complete more activities, use the GLOBE Observer app and the Mosquito Habitat Mapper tool (MHM), and engage in creating investigations. The Notebook comes with suggestions for parents/caregivers to help guide students in better understanding and observing the world around them.
To discover, explore, and use, the Mosquito Investigation Notebook, click here. To visit the GLOBE Observer website (for additional ideas and pages to add to the Notebook), click here.
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NASA’s Summer of Citizen Science Event Series Continues in September
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You are invited to “attend” NASA’s virtual event series, “Summer of Citizen Science.” The series, which began in May, will continue through 30 September 2020. These live, 90-minute, events will be hosted by Sarah Kirn, and will occur every other Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. ET.
This event series is intended to promote the exchange of scientific and engagement practices that make citizen science projects effective. NASA civil servants, collaborators, grantees, contractors, and partners involved or interested in citizen science are encouraged to attend all sessions to build a more robust approach to designing and running these projects. If you are not part of this group, but are interested in the topics, you are more than welcome to join in. The virtual doors are open to everyone.
This workshop series will:
- provide you with opportunities to connect with others in the NASA citizen science practitioner network;
- share actionable insights and strategies to advance work towards NASA’s dual goals for citizen science: advancing scientific research and building understanding of the process of science; and
- celebrate the work and accomplishments of the NASA Citizen Science practitioner network.
Recordings of speakers and panelists will be available after the events have taken place; however, the Q & A sessions will not. The September schedule of events is as follows:
- 02 September: Panel – New Technology and Citizen Science, with Dr. Carlos Siordia, CDC; Dr. Ted Smith, University of Louisville; Holli Kohl, NASA GLOBE Observer; and Dr. V, ed Chirayath, NASA Inventor and Scientist
- 16 September: Panel – Is NASA citizen science helping the public understand the process of science? How do we know? with Dr. Tina Phillips, Cornell University; Dr. Martin Storksdieck, Oregon State University; Dr. Elizabeth MacDonald, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
- 30 September: Training – How to get started with citizen science at NASA
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GLOBE Zika Education and Prevention Project Update
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One of the goals of the Zika Education and Prevention Project is to provide and facilitate access to mosquito data in the GLOBE database to scientists for use in their research. Recently, Dr. Mullica Jaroensutasinee and Dr. Krisanadej Jaroensutasinee (School of Science, Walailak University, Thailand) conducted research on spatial and temporal variations on mosquitoes in Southern Thailand using the data collected by citizen scientists. Their study found that both temporal and spatial variations may contribute to the local coexistence of Aedes and Culex mosquito larvae species in the Lansaka, Thailand area. To the best of their knowledge, this was one of the first efforts to assess the coexistence and interactions of Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, and Culex larvae.
We are excited to announce that they have published their findings in an article in the Journal of Animal Behaviour and Biometeorology, titled "Spatial and temporal variations on the coexistence of Aedes and Culex larvae in Southern Thailand." (Reference: Chumsri A, Jaroensutasinee M, Jaroensutasinee K. (2020). Spatial and temporal variations on the coexistence of Aedes and Culex larvae in Southern Thailand. J Anim Behav Biometerol 8:250-256.)
Congratulations, Mullica and Kris!
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To learn more about the GLOBE Zika Education and Prevention Project, click here.
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Read New Community Blog “Using NASA and GLOBE Data to
Predict Outbreaks of Disease!”
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Have you read the recent GLOBE Community Blog: “Using NASA and GLOBE Data to Predict Outbreaks of Disease!” written by NASA Science Educator Dorian Wood Janney?
“Did you know that NASA satellite data is being used to predict, monitor, and respond to vector-borne and water-related disease around the world? Imagine the value of using both GLOBE ground-based data; such as precipitation, vegetation, soil moisture, surface temperature, and humidity; to help us better understand disease,” Janney said in the blog.
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“As you think about what you might like to research for the next school year, consider using NASA satellite data along with your GLOBE data to investigate various aspects of water-related and vector-borne disease. You can learn about the research conducted by several NASA scientists in this recent article from NASA's Earth Observatory, entitled "Of Mosquitoes and Models: Tracking Disease by Satellite.” As you read this, think about how you might use existing GLOBE data along with freely available NASA data sets to try to determine the impact of various environmental parameters (precipitation, temperature, etc.) on an outbreak of a water-related or vector borne disease. You can see the "mosquito bundle" here and learn more about the GLOBE protocols that will help you study mosquitoes here,” Janney said.
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U.S. High School Students in 2020 SEES Intern Program Share Experiences Using GLOBE Observer Mosquito Habitat Mapper
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U.S. high school students participating in a collaboration effort between The Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) and the NASA Texas Space Grant Consortium (TSGC) to extend the TSGC Summer Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Internship program are sharing their research experiences using the GLOBE Observer Mosquito Habitat Mapper (MHM) via GLOBE’s “Community Blog.”
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SEES MHM Intern Pratham B., a student from Texas, shares his research experience in: “Using Code to Detect Color.”
“Through the SEES Mosquito Mappers internship, I have learned how to skeptically interrogate the world around us and devise profound questions that can shape our understanding of the natural universe. I came to this internship knowing very little about science except for the basics of the scientific method and the ‘facts’ that we are mandated to memorize in our educational system.”
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SEES MHM Intern Emma H., a student from Washington, shares her experience in: “Virtual Internship, Real Research.”
“Coming into the NASA SEES Mosquito Mapper program, I was beyond nervous. Living in Washington State in an area with few mosquitoes, I had no idea how I would be able to collect enough data for the final research project, especially since this was the first time I was conducting research on my own. In addition to that, the program was entirely virtual! As a visual learner, I was worried that participation might be challenging.”
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SEES MHM Intern Prachi I., a student from Texas, shares her experience in: “Exploring the Intersectionality between Computer Science and Ecological Research.”
“To draw statistically valid conclusions about ecological trends, such as the relationship between land cover and mosquito population dynamics, land areas of interest must be sampled in a consistent manner. Numerous ground observations of local areas can help scientists gain insight of the landscape, especially in regions where remote sensing techniques fail to measure certain land characteristics.”
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SEES MHM Intern Bhaskar J., a student from New Jersey, shares his experience in: “Mosquito Traps and Digital Land Cover Data.”
“Hi everyone, my name is Bhaskar J, and I'm interning with the SEES Mosquito Mappers research team this summer, in which we use the GLOBE Observer citizen science app. There are a lot of moving parts to it, but overall it's been an incredible experience!”
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SEES MHM Intern Baseem A., a student from California, shares his experience in: “Plants-Friend or Foe of the Mosquito?”
“Through my research, I tried to find a connection between plants and mosquitoes, so that humans can find a safe, natural, and aesthetically pleasing way to deter these disease vectors. I began my search for answers by visiting nature preserves in my area to sample water, set mosquito traps, and take pictures of the plants.”
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SEES MHM Intern Eric C., a student from California, shares his experience in: “Identifying Environmental Attributes Characterizing Mosquito Habitats – A Regression Analysis.”
“Cases of mosquito-borne disease are increasing in the United States. Because these diseases are directly correlated with the abundance of mosquitoes, finding what environmental variables impact mosquito populations is essential to prevent the transmission of disease. For the SEES 2020 Mosquito Mapper research project, our group decided to focus on identifying the statistical correlations exhibited between mosquito abundance and topographic, underground, and climate variables.”
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SEES MHM Intern Aria T., from Washington, shares her experience in: “Investigating Effective Mosquito Traps and Baits.”
“I worked with a team of four other SEES interns to conduct an investigation into mosquito larvae trapping. We chose to research the effectiveness of mosquito larvae traps in different geographical areas, as we noticed that many of the interns were having trouble with capturing mosquito larvae in experimental traps. Moreover, understanding what type of traps and trap bait type most attracted mosquitoes could offer insight into why areas had significantly higher mosquito populations than others.”
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SEES MHM Intern Faguni G., from California, shares her experience in: “An Insider Glimpse of a NASA SEES Internship.”
“Hello! My name is Faguni and I am a rising senior from San Jose, California. Over the summer, I participated in the NASA STEM Enhancement in Earth Science Internship program and was a part of the Mosquito Mapper Team. What was originally supposed to be a two-week program at UT-Austin and the Johnson Space Center, turned into an eight-week virtual internship, all from the comforts of our bedroom! Despite the mild hiccup, our mentors worked hard to create and deliver an unforgettable experience that immersed us into the life of a NASA researcher and scientist.”
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To read other recent STEM Professional/Guest Scientist blogs, click here. The blog is an online collaborative effort where scientists associated with GLOBE post their thoughts, comments, and philosophies about a variety of science topics. GLOBE strongly encourages positive and productive discussions to further advance the scientific understanding of all involved with
The GLOBE Program.
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Registration Now Open for Virtual 2020 North American Regional Meeting (NARM) – Early Bird Registration Available through 30 September
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Registration for the Virtual North America Regional Meeting (NARM) is open! “Early Bird” registration, which is available through 30 September, is $20.00 (becoming $30.00 after 30 September).
Registration for the NARM, which will take place from 19-23 October, is limited to North American GLOBE Partners.
Following directives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and other government public health agencies regarding the progression of the virus and the appropriate public health response to it, it has been decided that the NARM will be virtual this year.
Deadline to register is 14 October.
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New Day (Thursdays) and Time (04:10 p.m. ET) for U.S. GLOBE Teachers and Partners Watercoolers Beginning 10 September
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U.S. GLOBE Teachers and Partners: Beginning 10 September, the weekly Watercoolers will be held on Thursdays at 4:10 p.m. ET. The meet-ups will start with a brief update from U.S. Country Coordinator Jen Bourgeault, and will proceed with a presentation or two from a GLOBE teacher or partner, with time for questions and conversation.
September Watercooler dates:
- Sep 10, 2020 04:10 PM
- Sep 17, 2020 04:10 PM
- Sep 24, 2020 04:10 PM
To register, click here. (You can sign up for one or all the watercooler meet-ups!)
Sign Up to Present
- Partners: Have you provided virtual professional development this summer?
- Teachers: Are you using GLOBE with your students this year?
- Everyone: Do you have a resource or strategy to share?
Please sign up to share your experience or plans with the community during a Watercooler – it is a very informal setting and a supportive group.
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Need to Contact GLOBE? Several Email Addresses Have Changed!
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Please Note: Due to security restrictions and efforts to fight spam, several GLOBE email addresses have changed. Old email addresses will soon cease to be usable.
Please add the following to your whitelist of email addresses in order to ensure that GLOBE, specifically staff at GIO, can continue to meet your needs:
The GIO is located at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) in Boulder, Colorado, USA. GIO staff are located at UCAR, which is why “ ucar.edu” is being used as the new email address.
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As always, GLOBE continues to work to ensure that your “use” of the website, and associated apps, is as user-friendly as possible. Check out the latest tech updates:
- The Website: Work is continuing on upgrading the software that runs the GLOBE website. This improved software has an expected delivery date for early November 2020. Improvements will include a faster and more secure system with improved site features.
- GLOBE Observer App: The Data Entry App will be merging into the GLOBE Observer app. The first phase of this will be available in October 2020, and will include the atmosphere protocols. This update will let users add temperature, rainfall, and other atmospheric measurements directly within the GLOBE Observer app. It will also allow the general public to more easily participate with GLOBE by making observations as a citizen scientist.
Have questions, or need assistance? Contact the GLOBE Community Support Team at: globehelp@ucar.edu
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Opportunities for Teachers
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(U.S. opportunities are often highlighted in the News Brief simply because we are more aware of them through our local media; however, if there are opportunities for GLOBE students and/or teachers in your region that you would like us to highlight in the coming months, please send the information to: globecommunications@ucar.edu. Thank you!)
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NASA STEM Educator Webinars
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The NASA STEM Educator Professional Development Collaborative (EPDC) is presenting a series of webinars open to all educators. All pre-service, K-12, and informal educators, as well as university faculty, are invited to join NASA education specialists to learn about NASA missions, activities, lesson plans, educator guides, and online resources that integrate NASA and STEM into the classroom.
An upcoming webinar, “ Explore Earth: The Water Cycle and GLOBE Hydrology,” is geared toward educators in grades K-12. On Tuesday, 08 September (4:30 p.m. ET), participants will learn about water and the hydrologic cycle using GLOBE protocols. (This educational activity aligns to NASA Education API 2.4.2: “Continue to support STEM educators through the delivery of NASA education content and engagement in educator professional development opportunities.”)
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YLACES Offers Awards, Scholarships, Grants – and Support – for Science Education
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Youth Learning as Citizen Environmental Scientists (YLACES), based in the United States, offers awards, scholarships, grants, and support – all to assist and reward the implementation of inquiry-based, experiential science education where students do science and contribute to understanding of our environment through recognition and financial reward programs.
Those working with youth to do research projects through environmental citizen science are invited to submit proposals for support to help their efforts. Grants range from support for taking simple measurements to teacher professional development and working for pervasive inclusion of student research projects in science teaching.
In addition, support is provided for prizes recognizing student achievement and effective teaching; for infrastructure necessary for contributing, storing, and sharing data and methods; and for science fairs/symposia that assess student work.
For more information on YLACES, and the specific types of assistance
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Opportunities for Students
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U.S. High School Seniors: Deadline for the 2021 Regeneron Science Talent Search is
12 November
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U.S. GLOBE high school seniors: The Regeneron Science Talent Search (Regeneron STS) application is now open. Regeneron STS provides a forum for original research that is recognized and reviewed by a jury of professional scientists. Deadline for applications is Wednesday, 12 November.
The Regeneron STS is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science competition for high school seniors, providing an important forum for original research that is recognized and reviewed by a national jury of professional scientists. Alumni have made extraordinary contributions to science and have earned many of the world’s most distinguished science and math honors, including thirteen Nobel Prizes. Annually, over 1,800 high school seniors from around the country accept the challenge of conducting independent science, math or engineering research and completing an entry for the Regeneron Science Talent Search. The competition recognizes 300 student scholars and their schools each year and invites 40 student finalists to Washington, D.C. to participate in final judging, display their work to the public, and meet with notable scientists and government leaders. Each year, Regeneron STS scholars and finalists compete for $3.1 million in awards.
Any student who is enrolled in, and attending, their last year of secondary school in the United States and its territories may apply. Also, students who are U.S. citizens living abroad may qualify.
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U.S./Canada K-12 Teachers: Deadline for Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Science Competition is
08 February
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The Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision science competition encourages K–12 students to imagine what technology might be like in the future while learning the scientific process in an engaging, hands-on way. The deadline for submissions 08 February 2021.
ExploraVision is a science competition that goes beyond the typical student science competition and into what it takes to bring ideas to reality. A teacher will sponsor and lead his/her students as they work in groups of 02-04 to simulate real research and development. A teacher will guide his or her students as they pick a current technology, research it, envision what it might look like in 10 or more years, and describe the development steps, pros and cons, and obstacles. Past winners have envisioned technologies ranging from a hand-held food allergen detector to a new device to help people who have lost limbs regain movement in real time. The competition is open to students enrolled in public, private, or home school in the United States and Canada.
For more information on the competition, click here.
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Upcoming 2020 GLOBE Teacher Training Workshops
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- Satuek, Thailand (Princess Chulabhorn Science High School Buriram): 03-04 September (restricted attendance)
- Chanthaburi, Thailand (Klung Ratchadapisek School): 11-12 September (Restricted attendance)
- Natal, Brazil (Mosquito, Atmosphere, and Hydrosphere Training): 16-18 November (open to all)
You can also check out GLOBE’s protocol eTraining. (In order to enter GLOBE data, GLOBE users must complete the necessary training either by attending a GLOBE workshop or by completing the required online eTraining modules. Once your training is complete, you will be ready to start entering your measurements – and will be joining a community of thousands of teachers around the world!)
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Congratulations to the ten GLOBE countries celebrating anniversaries of successful GLOBE implementation during the month of September:
- Bulgaria – 22 years (08 September 1998)
- Chad – 25 years (27 September 1995)
- Georgia – 01 years (26 September 2019)
- Japan – 20 years (11 September 2000)
- Liberia – 03 years (25 September 2017)
- Qatar – 20 years (27 September 2000)
- Saudi Arabia – 18 years (30 September 2002)
- Taiwan Partner – 07 years (06 September 2013)
- Thailand – 21 years (30 September 1999)
- Vietnam – 05 years (12 September 2015)
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Send us news that you would like to share with the GLOBE community and we'll include it in next month's News Brief. Be sure to include photos too.
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Past issues of the GLOBE News Brief are available in the online. (On the drop-down menu under “Category,” simply scroll down to “News Topics” and select “News Briefs.”)
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