News - United States of America
Getting Ready for the SRS: How to develop and choose a team of students to attend the GLOBE Regional SRS?
Five U.S. teachers share their experience with GLOBE in their classroom and community and describe how they choose a team of students to attend the U.S. Regional Student Research Symposia (SRS). The SRS are face-to-face regional conferences where students have the opportunity to share the results of field investigations using GLOBE Program protocols or data from the GLOBE database.
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Jillian Anderson, Lexington School for the Deaf, NY
For the past six months, I have been implementing GLOBE practices in two of my classes. My experience so far is that students benefit from and enjoy the practical and real-world experience of science study and research. They enjoy relating what they learn in the classroom to the many different facets of work done by NASA and other teams of scientists. Particularly in my current science elective class, students are regularly working on collecting data and observations of the atmosphere, clouds and contrails, as well as aerosols. They are beginning to develop their own research questions and we will continue to explore what is needed to develop hypotheses, conduct research experiments, collect and analyze data, and draw conclusions. In these practices, we can discuss the nature of science, potential future developments in the field, and implications for the world as a whole.
I have found my class's participation in GLOBE to be highly beneficial. I truly believe that science should be accessible to all students and people, regardless of background, ability, or any other limiting factors. Many of my students are learning English which can make science content a struggle; I recognize, however, that they cannot be excluded from this learning experience. I strive to share this philosophy with any and all fellow teachers who may have similar struggles or difficulties in the field of science teaching.
As I have been working closely with the same 7 students in my earth science class since April, I will choose the 3-4 that continue to show the highest level of motivation and commitment to the projects and research that we are conducting [to attend the Northeast SRS]. If possible, I will have two teams of two students each, or one team of three depending on how much independence the students show and the thoroughness of the work they complete. My ideal group of students demonstrate a balance of critical thinking, conceptual understanding, and enthusiasm for the work that they have done.
Racheal Defriese, Spring Creek Elementary, TN
Students in all classes collect data everyday. They began in August after learning how to use the equipment and will continue until May. We do individual protocols as enrichment for our science lessons. I have 130 
students and everyday 2 are chosen to collect the daily GLOBE measurements from each protocol that has been completed in previous lessons. The research that we present [at the Southeast SRS] is a problem based lesson (PBL) activity for 3rd quarter. The students who collect the most accurate data and complete the protocols with 100% accuracy [are chosen to attend the SRS].
Sharon Potter Karasick, Riverview High School, FL
As a GLOBE teacher, I am trying to build a strong GLOBE presence at our high school. Our school serves nearly 3000 students of a wide range of backgrounds and feeder schools. In addition, we collaborate closely on scientific research with the other main high school in our community. We have a tidal creek on campus, multiple habitat types, and access to many community partners who will help us cultivate long term research. This is the beginning of a very long plan to enrich our learning environment with GLOBE research protocols.
[Attending the Southeast SRS] will be our first year doing research projects for demonstration outside of our school community. I will do my best to promote participation of students who have less opportunity for these experiences and events. Second to that, my emphasis will be on promoting research participation of girls interested in STEM careers.
Susanna Peck, Grace Baptist Academy, MS
My students will be working on their projects throughout the year. I, our principal, and Donna Torres at INFINITY Science Center will evaluate the projects and commitment of the teams to make a final decision on which students will be attending the symposium. Students will need to demonstrate a commitment to their projects throughout the year, not just at the beginning or end of the projects. Firm deadlines for progression of the projects will be implemented into classroom planning and lesson plans.
We will be doing the atmosphere protocol every school day to gather data and it will be entered into the GLOBE website. In late winter and early spring we will also begin to spend class time working on presentation and speaking skills with the students. This will also help us to make a decision on the students who will attend [the Southeast SRS]. Both [Physical Science and Chemistry] classes will be participating and we have made this their science fair project for the year.
Jennie Ward, Florala High School, AL
GLOBE protocols are built into each of our 9 week units. The 8th grade students working directly on the research project will build upon daily science practices we use in the classroom by attending after school work sessions. During these sessions, students will develop a plan for their research and identify the tools necessary to complete their research. Once this is complete, students will learn how to use the equipment and how to record their data. Finally, students will work on analyzing data, writing conclusions, and understanding the impact of their research.
There is a small group of girls in my 8th grade Introduction to Physical Science class that excel in science investigations and questioning. They are interested in developing a research project and attending the Southeast SRS. I am very excited to see what this group can accomplish.
For the last 3 years I have worked as a trainer for AMSTI and taught GLOBE protocols to other science teachers in our region. I plan to continue in this role for many years to come. I also serve as a mentor teacher for new science teachers in our school. This gives me the opportunity to promote GLOBE in our local community.
type: globe-newsNews origin: United States of America