Great Global Investigations of Climate - Great Global Investigation of Climate

The Great Global Investigation of Climate Intensive Observing Period

To get started, use the following links to download the necessary documents:

1. Great Global Investigation of Climate Teacher's Participation Guide

2. Sample Site Selection and Set-up Guide

3. Precipitation Protocols

4. Atmosphere Investigation Data Sheet

5. Modified Max/Min/Current Air Temperature Protocol or Digital Multi-Day Max/Min/Current Air and Soil Temperature Protocol

Purpose

To involve students in short-term and long-term scientific studies focused on the relationship of temperature and precipitation with climate near their school and in comparisons with schools across the globe as a contribution to scientific research.

Overview

This global investigation will focus on defining local climate through GLOBE protocols and the student inquiry question "What is my climate and how has it changed?" Students are asked to collect and enter temperature and precipitation data in the GLOBE database and investigate how to classify local weather and climate using these atmospheric data.

Timing

While temperature and precipitation measurements can and should be taken and uploaded at any time throughout the year, seasonal changes of temperature and precipitation can be seen by focusing on the months associated with equinoxes and solstices. While changes can be seen, the specific seasonal changes will vary across latitude and continents depending on factors such as climate variability, proximity to water, elevation, topography, and other conditions like drought or impacts due to extreme events. To enable schools to participate during periods with the most representative seasonal fluctuations in temperature and precipitation are captured while allowing for maximum participation to occur, the following focused intensive observing periods (IOPs) for The Great Global Investigation of Climate have been designated, beginning September 2011:

What to do and how to do it

1. Collect air temperature and precipitation data

• Identify and establish a representative atmospheric study site, if your school has not previously established a study site. Refer to the Site Selection and Set-up guide for information regarding identification and establishment of an atmosphere site.
• Follow the Rainfall Protocol or Solid Precipitation Protocol directions for collecting atmospheric data and record data on the Atmosphere Investigation Data Sheet.
• Follow the Max/Min/Current Air Temperature Protocol or Digital Multi-Day Max/Min/Current Air and Soil Temperature Protocol directions for collecting atmospheric data, depending on your instrumentation, and record data on the Atmosphere Investigation Data Sheet.

2. Report data to the GLOBE database

• From your "My Public Page", select "Data Entry" or click on "Data Entry"
• Under "My Procedures", select your atmosphere site(s) or "Define, Edit or Update a Site" found at the bottom of the page.  If you do not have any procedures listed, choose the protocol from the list of sites under "Available Procedures Based on My Sites" by clicking the plus sign on the right.
• Fill in the data form as directed and select "Send Data"

3. Apply and extend your knowledge

• Read the background science information on this IOP
• Meet the Scientists involved
• Follow the suggested optional extensions to learn more about climate and how it relates to GLOBE Investigation areas

Need help?

Email science@globe.gov if you have questions about the GGIC IOP or need help completing the project.