FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions - 2016 GLOBE International Virtual Science Fair
Q. Can I submit my project in a language that is not English?
A. Yes! However, it will not be scored. We are only able to score projects submitted in English.
Q. Can I use Google Translate or another translating program to translate my project?
A. Yes, the judges will then be able to score your project. However, keep in mind that Google Translate often makes mistakes. If possible, have someone familiar with English read over the translation.
Q. I'm a scientist. How can I be involved?
A. If you are part of the GLOBE International Scientists' Network (GISN), we would love for you to help score the projects. If not, think about applying to be part of the network! If you are interested in scoring or mentoring projects, fill out the interest form. If you are interested in being part of the GISN, send an email to globehelp@ucar.edu.
Q. What if the scientist I want to work with is not part of the GLOBE International Scientists' Network (GISN)?
A. That's fine! But, encourage the scientist to join the GISN.
Q. I teach 1st grade. Can my students also submit a project?
A. Yes! We have customized the scoring rubrics by grade level. Younger students will be scored differently than older students.
Q. How do the badges work?
A. All students who submit a project will receive a virtual Student Research Badge. Scored projects will receive between 1 and 4 stars. Additionally, students can elect to be scored for five more optional badges. These badges, which are described in the rubrics, are collaboration, community impact, connection to a local or network scientist, international connection, and engineering solutions.
Q. Can I still get a badge if my project is not in English?
A. Yes! All student projects will receive a Student Research Badge, however only scored projects (those in English) will receive stars on their badges.
Q. Do I have to use GLOBE data in my project?
A. Yes, students must use GLOBE data and enter data into the GLOBE database.
Q. How do I come up with ideas for my research project?
A. To get some ideas, we encourage you to look at previously submitted Student Research Reports, active Field Campaigns, Collaborating Satellite Missions, and the GLOBE Kilimanjaro Learning Expedition. Additionally, many of the protocols have a "looking at data" section with even more ideas.
Q. How many times can my project be entered into the drawing?
A. Each qualified project will get one entry into the drawing. However, there is no limit to the number of projects per school that can be entered into the drawing (as long as they qualify).
Q. How do I know if a project is eligible for the drawing?
A. In order to be eligible for the drawing, the student project must earn a total of three 4-star badges. One of these badges must be the Student Research Badge. The other two badges can be any of the five optional badges.
Q. What should the thumbnail picture be?
A. Generally, the thumbnail image should somehow represent the research. For example, if the research is about leaf color, then the thumbnail image could be of a leaf. This image will display with the student report.
Q. Does all the data I use need to be GLOBE data?
A. No! As long as you use some GLOBE data, you meet the requirement. We know some students are interested in exploring scientific areas that are not GLOBE protocols.
If you have any additional questions that are not answered here, please contact Community Support at help@globe.gov.