Title / Titre :
Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE)

Author(s) / Auteur(s) :
Rebecca Boger(1) and Diola Bagayoko(2)

Address / Adresse :
(1) Project Scientist and International Desk Officer
GLOBE, 1800 G. St., Suite 1800 NW, Washington, DC, 20006 USA

(2) SU System Distinguished Professor of Physics
Southern University and A&M College
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70813 USA

Key words / Mots clés :
GLOBE, Science and Mathematics Education, Environmental Education, Scientific Measurements, Benefits to the Environment

Abstract / Résumé : GLOBE is a science and education program designed to use environmental research as a means to improve student achievement in basic science, mathematics, geography and the use of technology. Fundamental to the process is linking students and scientists as collaborators. Approximately 12,000 schools in 97 countries are currently GLOBE partners.

GLOBE trains teachers to teach students how to take measurements of environmental parameters at quality levels acceptable for scientific research. Teacher training emphasizes a hands-on, inquiry-based methodology.

Student-collected GLOBE data are publicly accessible through the Web. Currently, there are over 7.9 million observations in the database and the number grows daily. GLOBE invites scientists throughout the world to use the data and encourages scientists to collaborate with students in conducting ongoing or new research at local, regional or global scales. Student-collected data can play an essential role in areas where environmental data are sparse.

Examples of scientist/student collaborations include enhancing the database of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Climatic Data Center in the United States and a multi-watershed project in the Amazon Basin in Peru. A growing number of schools are participating in Africa, and this growth is being fostered in part by an initiative among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in the United States, African universities and GLOBE schools on both continents. GLOBE can facilitate collaborations among students, teachers and scientists from any countries participating in the program. Examples of possible student/scientist collaborations addressing environmental issues relevant to Africa will be given.