Stars and STEM Stories
GLOBE South Africa: A Student’s Perspective on Participating in GLOBE Tree, Clouds, and Land Cover Observations
After participating in a GLOBE student workshop, an 8th-grade South
African student from Empangeni High School recorded her experience in
a letter to her teacher, Helena Joubert. Snqobile’s story, in her own
words, is shared below.
On 18 January, the Science Club at Empangeni High School held a
workshop where students who wanted to participate as global change
agents could learn more about the GLOBE Program. Mrs. Joubert and Mr.
Venter coordinated the event. They helped us understand what GLOBE is
all about, and also how we as students could get involved. We also
celebrated the birthday of GLOBE Africa on 17 February.
The workshop started with an introduction to the GLOBE Program. Then announcements were made of projects we would need to get busy with now, like International Virtual Science Symposium (IVSS) projects, applications for the GLOBE Student Vlogger program, and data collection.
After the introduction session, we moved outside. We were introduced to the indigenous Erythrinas trees that the Science Club planted last year on Heritage Day. The trees are still small but growing strong.
Young Erythrinas trees
Over the course of the workshop, Mrs. Joubert showed us how to collect cloud data. We also measured the height of a tree and did a land cover observation using the Globe Observer app. The land cover was done on the school premises close to the sports fields. It was a little muddy due to rain the previous day. The grass was short and green. The trees were covered with leaves.
Mrs. Joubert showing Empangeni High School students how to collect data on clouds and trees.
The hands-on data collection, using the GLOBE app, sparked my curiosity in environmental science and research. Conducting real-world investigations and contributing to global data collection gave me a sense of purpose and responsibility. I also found that interacting with peers and scientists broadened my perspective of the global implications of STEM. This exposure will not only hone my communication skills but also has made me excited to work with other concerned citizens to solve complex environmental challenges. I am already busy working on an innovative science project to mitigate air pollution from big industries in our area.
Learn more about GLOBE South Africa.
Story courtesy of Snqobile G. C, grade-8 student at Empangeni High School, South Africa.
Photos courtesy of Mrs. H. Joubert.