GLOBE Scientist Visits School to Explain Importance of their Student Data

On September 24, 4th and 5th grade GLOBE students from Superior Elementary School in Superior, Colorado were treated to a visit by Matt Rogers, a research scientist from the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University. Matt is a member of a research team working for Professor Graeme Stephens.GLOBE Principal Investigator for the Atmosphere protocol. Matt spoke on a wide range of topics, including global warming, cloud types, human impact on the atmosphere, and satellite data, while placing a strong emphasis on the importance of GLOBE data in his research. He has been comparing satellite-based cloud observations with those reported by GLOBE students in Colorado.

One of the GLOBE schools in his study was Superior Elementary, so his feedback to the students on cloud formation and how their cloud observations are being used in an important research project struck home. The fascinated students wouldn.t let Matt leave on time because of all the compelling questions they had for him. They returned to their classrooms with a renewed enthusiasm for their participation and contributions to the scientific community through their GLOBE observations. According to 5th grade teacher Heather Hansen, "Matt Rogers embodies the true spirit of the GLOBE Program. It was an invaluable experience for students to meet fact to face with a scientist who investigates the atmospheric changes we study in class. The kids were thoroughly captivated and so were the teachers!" Pam Sanders, a 4th grade teacher and the chair of the school's science committee added that "her students are now so excited and enthused with Matt Rogers' visit that they are going to be emailing the data they'll be collecting directly to him!" All of the students, including those belonging to the other 5th grade teachers- Frances Matsumoto, Gregg Rice, and Thad Dingman.and to 4th grade teacher Bobby Lehman, can't wait to begin entering their data to help Matt with his research.

Enthusiastic exchange between scientists and students such as this is what GLOBE is all about. These interactions help open their eyes and make their GLOBE measurements more meaningful. Superior Elementary joined GLOBE in 2003, assisted by a grant submitted by Frances Matsumoto to the Foundation for Boulder Valley School District to purchase the weather shelter and all of the required equipment for the atmosphere and hydrology protocols. Superior's Parent-Teacher Association also provided a generous donation to help get the Program started. In addition to the atmosphere and hydrology protocols already implemented in their 4th and 5th grade classrooms, Superior plans to begin the phenology and soil protocols in the spring. They are also working to help their sister school (Surya Boarding School) in Nepal become a GLOBE school as well.

Questions/Comments regarding the GLOBE Program

GLOBE is managed by UCAR/CSU with support from NASA, NSF, the US Dept. of State, and other cooperating organizations.

[ Privacy ][ Accessibility ][ Terms of Use ]