Meteorology

Question

I am seeking information about sites on the Internet that scientists or technicians regularly access that students in my science classes may contribute data about local weather conditions. David

Answer

<P>Although there are a number of sites that offer students the opportunity to report local observations, the best program by far is the GLOBE program.</P> <CENTER><FONT size=+1><B>What is The GLOBE Program?</B></FONT> <P></CENTER></P> <P>GLOBE is a worldwide hands-on, primary and secondary school-based education and science program.For Students, GLOBE provides the opportunity to learn by: </P> <UL> <LI>Taking scientifically valid measurements in the fields of atmosphere, hydrology, soils, and land cover/phenology - depending upon their local curricula <LI>Reporting their data through the Internet <LI>Creating maps and graphs on the free interactive Web site to analyze data sets <LI>Collaborating with scientists and other GLOBE students around the world </LI></UL> <P>For Teachers, GLOBE provides assistance through: <UL> <LI>Training at professional development workshops <LI>Teacher's Guide, "how-to" videos, and other materials <LI>Continuing support from a Help Desk, scientists, and partners <LI>Contact with other teachers, students, and scientists worldwide. </LI></UL> <P>For International and U.S. Partners, GLOBE provides: <UL> <LI>Train-the-Trainer workshops <LI>Guidance and support for mentoring teachers </LI></UL> <CENTER><FONT size=+1><B>What is the Value of GLOBE?</FONT></B></CENTER> <P><I>"GLOBE is the quintessentially ideal program for involving kids in science,"</I> - Nobel laureate Dr. Leon Lederman. <P>GLOBE trains teachers to help students improve their achievement in science and math, and in the use of computer and network technology. <P>GLOBE helps teachers and students achieve state and local education goals and standards. <P>GLOBE increases student awareness of their environment from a scientific viewpoint, without advocacy relative to issues. <P>GLOBE improves student understanding of science because it involves them in performing real science - taking measurements, analyzing data, and participating in research in collaboration with scientists. <P>GLOBE students contribute data for scientists to use in their research. <P>GLOBE helps expand the pipeline of potential future scientists and researchers for industry, academia, and government. <P> <CENTER><FONT size=+1><B>Who is involved in GLOBE?</FONT></B></CENTER> <P>GLOBE is a cooperative effort of schools, led in the United States by a Federal interagency program supported by NASA, NSF and the U.S. State Department, in partnership with colleges and universities, state and local school systems, and non-government organizations. Internationally, GLOBE is a partnership between the United States and over 100 other countries. <P>Over a million primary and secondary students in more than 15,000 schools have taken part in the program; there are more than 28,000 GLOBE-trained teachers and those numbers are growing! <P>Parents and others can work with teachers to help students obtain data on days when schools are not open. <P> <CENTER><FONT size=+1><B>How is GLOBE managed?</FONT></B></CENTER> <P>GLOBE is organized into a Directorate and four Teams - Education, Science, Partnerships / Outreach and Systems. Communication and coordination between GLOBE Teams and the Directorate, as well as with the NASA Program Manager, is facilitated by means of an Executive Committee. GLOBE also has an Advisory Board (GAB) consisting of external members, leaders in education, science, industry, and public policy, to advise the GLOBE Director on Program issues, particularly those related to sustainability. Furthermore, GLOBE has established a Sustainability Working Group (SWG), comprised of representatives from the various GLOBE Teams and the Directorate, to coordinate efforts to secure sponsorship and investment. And finally, ad hoc groups are formed periodically to ensure end-user feedback into the implementation of the various aspects of the GLOBE Program. The GLOBE Staff is guided by their Framework and Roadmap document that outlines the Program's strategic goals and associated objectives. <P><A name=join></P><FONT size=+1><B>How to Join GLOBE</FONT></B> <P>Teachers and other educators who wish to lead students in GLOBE need to attend special workshops in order to fully participate in the program. Internationally, contact your </A>Country Point of Contact. In the U.S. look up currently scheduled workshops on the GLOBE website and if you do not find a workshop you can attend, contact a Partner in your state or area. If you have any problems in the U.S., contact the Help Desk. </P> http://www.globe.gov GLOBE<BR>The GLOBE Program<BR> http://vrd.askvrd.org/services/answerschema.xml