Citizen Science in the Classroom: NASA Globe Observer Clouds

Source: NASA Go Clouds

Citizen science can be an excellent way to engage learners in the process of science and to address the Practices as outlined in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). In each issue of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Journal, Science Scope, a citizen science project from the SciStarter Project Finder is featured!

In the September 2018 issue of Science Scope, NASA Globe Observer (GO) Clouds is the featured citizen science project.

Here is a brief overview of the NASA GO Clouds Citizen Science Project, from the SciStarter Project Finder:

Goal: Help scientists understand the sky from above and below
Task: Photograph clouds, record sky observations and share with NASA
Where: Global, anywhere on the planet

           See recent NASA GO Cloud images submitted by citizen scientists around the globe!

The September Science Scope citizen science article entitled “Cloudy with a chance of ‘cirrus’ science” highlights how students can get involved in the project, as well as ideas and resources for educators to implement NASA GO Clouds in the science curriculum.  The September NASA GO Clouds citizen science feature also connects to the issue’s main theme of Earth Systems, inviting students to see the “big picture” by exploring aspects of the dynamic natural world around them. See additional Earth Science projects here.

You can get involved with NASA GO Clouds citizen science today; all you will need to get started is a mobile device with the NASA GO Clouds app. If you mention SciStarter in the referral space on the app, you can also maintain a SciStarter record of your participation. Happy exploring!

Want more citizen science? Check out SciStarter’s Project Finder! With 1100+ citizen science projects spanning every field of research, task and age group, there’s something for everyone!

Categories: Citizen Science, Climate & Weather, Do-It-Yourself, EarthSchool, Ecology & Environment, Education, Environment, Nature & Outdoors, Project Profile

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About the Author

Jill Nugent

Jill Nugent

Jill Nugent works in higher education where she teaches and serves as an administrator in online STEM programs. Her undergraduate degree is from Texas A&M University and her master’s degree is in biological sciences where she studied animal behavior and conservation biology. She holds teacher certification in science and life science/biology and is a Ph.D. candidate at Texas Tech University where she is investigating locally engaged, globally connected citizen science. Jill authors a monthly citizen science column in the NSTA Journal, Science Scope and was a contributing author on the NSTA Press book, “Citizen Science: 15 Lessons That Bring Biology to Life”. Outside of teaching, writing, and engaging in citizen science projects, Jill enjoys volunteering with ManeGait, a therapeutic riding equestrian center in North Texas. You can connect with Jill on Twitter @ntxscied.