FAQs

2019 IVSS - Frequently Asked Questions

Q. My students have never participated in a science fair or symposia before. Can they still enter?
A. Yes! Students with a wide variety of expertise participate in the IVSS. Whether this is your first research project or your 100th, we encourage you to participate. And, if you have any questions along the way, let us know.

Q. Why did the name change from a science fair?
A. A science symposium is a place for researchers to present and discuss their work. In order to reflect the overarching goal of students sharing their GLOBE research, we thought a science symposium better represented this event than a 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. I submitted a project, but isn't showing up yet. When do projects appear in "Student Reports"? 
A. For the IVSS, we wait until the due date to publish projects. If you don't receive confirmation that your report was uploaded, send an email to help@globe.gov to check. 

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 science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) professional. How can I be involved?
A. If you are part of the GLOBE International STEM professionals 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 Volunteering form.  If you are interested in being part of the GISN, send an email to help@globe.gov.

Q. What if the scientist or other STEM professional I want to work with is not part of the GLOBE International STEM professionals Network (GISN)?
A. That's fine! But, encourage the scientist or STEM professional 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. We also have a webinar about K-4 projects and lots of K-4 resources. 

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 three more optional badges. These badges, which are described in the "Rubrics and Badges" page.

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, and Collaborating Satellite Missions. 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 badges - a four star Student Research badge and two optional badges.  

Q. If I don't choose any of the optional badges, am I still eligible for the drawing?
A. No, please make sure to choose the optional badges and explain how you earned each of the badges in your student report.

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. Do 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.