Science, Mathematics and Technology

Students use scientific protocols and Science, Mathematics, and Technology when learning scientific research methodologies and analyzing data sets. The GLOBE investigation areas include Earth science and biology topics in atmosphere/climate, hydrology, soil, land cover, and phenology. Technology classes utilize GLOBE data sets to create elaborate charts, graphs and maps, comparing student's findings with other data from around the world examining data critically. Students build weather stations in industrial technology classes, and agricultural education students can actively assist scientists and farmers in the field to better track environmental events affecting crop production.

Language, Culture and Art GLOBE students learn about various languages and cultures as they engage in authentic projects and collaborations with one another, students in other countries, and world experts in the disciplines they are studying. Because GLOBE is a worldwide program, materials are currently available in the six United Nations languages (Arabic, English, French, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, and Spanish), plus German, Japanese, Thai, and a number of indigenous languages. Additional materials in other languages are becoming available through our international partners.

GLOBE provides English Language Learners (ELLs) with access to high quality science information and opportunities to assume leadership positions in their classrooms in discussions with students from different countries. GLOBE integrates literacy skills with all school subjects and Elementary GLOBE books introduce early primary students to the study of Earth System Science (ESS). Students record their personal observations in field notebooks and publish the results of their research projects. GLOBE is used to teach English to students for whom it is not their first language, and to teach English and science content to deaf and hard-of-hearing students who use Sign Language.

It is possible to incorporate GLOBE into the Arts and Humanities (art, drama, drawing, music, photography and even physical education). For example, students in art education classes work with contour maps, draw landscape diagrams, and study soil colors. Music classes can participate in the Sounds of GLOBE or perhaps even lead the way for the creation of a new GLOBE music CD! GLOBE students are afforded opportunities to include photography skills as part of collecting study site metadata and for particular projects. For more ideas, see the art page.

 

GLOBE provides authentic, life-centered curricula and opportunities for meeting the special needs found in inclusive classrooms of students with a broad range of abilities and learning styles. Opportunities for cross-age tutoring encourage school-wide collaboration, respect for the background and perspectives of all students, and enhanced content learning and cooperation. GLOBE activities are also ideal for after school clubs, home-schooled students, and community service learning projects. Life-long learning is at the heart of GLOBE. Senior citizens around the world maintain GLOBE study sites and report that they enjoy mastering the scientific protocols and contributing to understanding of the environment.

GLOBE encourages teachers to collaborate between disciplines and motivates students by showing the interconnections and meaningfulness in what they are studying. GLOBE links teachers and students around the world to increase environmental awareness, understanding of other cultures, and their sense of global community. GLOBE allows teachers to put the concepts of authentic learning, student-scientist partnership, scientific inquiry, standards-based pedagogy, and curriculum integration into practice on an unprecedented scale.