RE: Aeropod Technology 12th Grade - 2020 SRS - 2020 SRS

Project Title:Using Aeropod Technology to Interpret Select Microscale Weather Parameters Using Vertical Profiling
School Name(s):Crestwood High School
Teacher Name(s):Diana Rae Johns
Student Name(s): Nazih Baydoun Hassan Berry Belal Beydoun
Grade Level: Secondary School (grades 9-12, ages 14-18)
Project Description:Using Aeropod Technology to Interpret Select Microscale Weather Parameters Using Vertical Profiling
Abstract:Microclimates are largely unassessed  when looking at the threat of climate change and environmental threats. Our research is about how various weather parameters on a microscale level such as dew point, air temperature, and relative humidity, affect cloud formation. We used the GLOBE Cloud Protocols and the GLOBE AREN Protocols when retrieving the data. Our research compared these weather parameters at ground level to 122 meters in the air.  A Kestrel 5500 Weather Meter, mounted on a tripod 1.2 meters high, took data on various weather parameters for 7 days. The Kestrel was then attached to an Aeropod, where it flew on an “Into The Wind” Levitation 7 ft Delta Kite 122 meters high to collect data. We found that as altitude increased, dew point and relative humidity increased, whilst air temperature decreased. Furthermore, we found, the higher humidity and dew point were, the lower clouds formed which were overcast, like stratocumulus clouds. Some recommendations we and Mr. David Bydlowski of NASA had to move forward are measuring particulate matter to compare the results with Princess Chulabhorn, a school in Thailand. We have been communicating weekly with them, and plan to complete this investigation in the imminent future.
Protocols: Clouds, Relative Humidity, Air Temperature
Language(s): English
Presentation Poster: View Document
Report Page: Link

Hi Nazih, Hassan, and Belal, my name is Matt Silberglitt. I am a researcher at WestEd and former high school science teacher. I enjoyed reading your poster and report. The descriptions of your methods and data displays gave me a good idea about how you carried out your research. I appreciated the way you used the kite as an efficient way to collect weather data high above the ground. 

Your research questions, hypotheses, results and discussion were all well connected. I appreciated the discussion of microclimates, how the type of data you collected can fill important gaps in climate research, and the efforts to collaborate with a school in Thailand. It was great to see that the students in Thailand received the kite and had an opportunity to fly it before their spring break. I look forward to a future report that includes data they collect! 

Now that you have established an efficient and reliable way of collecting data on the ground and in the air, I wonder what you will do next? Will you find ways to test the benefit of using both of these sources of data, or settle on one knowing that they are very highly correlated? Will you compare data from the microclimate around your school to regional data? Will you compare your methods to others, such as drones or satellites? I look forward to your next steps and future research reports.

Hi Nazih, Hassan, and Belal,

My name is Lara Gengarelly and I am a science educator and former plant ecologist at the University of New Hampshire.

Your study investigating microclimates at different altitudes was well-designed. Your scientific questions were clearly defined and your methods addressed your questions # 1 and #2. Your data-- as shown in line graphs and tables-- are comprehensive. Also, the inclusion of maps of your study site and photos of your equipment are informative and enhance your written report.

Have you considered the impact that seasonality has on the microclimate parameters?

Also, similar to professional scientists your investigation led to further scientific questions with respect to exploring microclimate parameters differences between northern and southern latitudes. Do you plan to continue this research as a team?

Thank you for sharing your GLOBE research. Keep up the great work!