Clouds Protocol

FAQ regarding Spring 2024 Workshop Research Posters

2025-10-03T23:52:22Z

We compiled a list of questions participants asked in our Session 5 breakout rooms: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OkViPPZRIHFX9SN9yqcxbnVl1m9w06dCjpmGPBgDCns/edit?usp=sharing

RE: temperature measurement

2024-04-10T01:14:48Z

You can use a digital multi-day max/min thermometer to measure air temperature. The thermometer should be properly calibrated and installed as per the protocol specifications. To measure the air temperature, you need to turn on the air temperature display, read the current air temperature shown on the digital display, and record the temperature on your data sheet. You can find information about the tools you can use at home on the GLOBE website under the "Instrumentation" section. More details and specifications, you can consult the GLOBE Toolkit.

RE: Combining air temperature and surface temperature on poster

2025-10-03T23:52:22Z

Hi Didi! I hope you had a great eclipse day Thank you so much for your question. Yes! You can combine air temperature and surface temperature on one poster. The fifth tab on the TEMPLATE Atmosphere Changes Google Sheet should create a graph that includes your air temperature, surface temperature, and cloud cover data. If you experience any issue with the graph, just let me know, and we can work it out.

Combining air temperature and surface temperature on poster

2024-04-02T18:47:30Z

Hi, I just want to make sure that we can combine air temperature and surface temperature data on one poster.
Also, it looks like clouds and rain are in our forecast, but we will still collect the data.

Spring Break and limited class sessions

2024-03-12T18:39:20Z

My district is taking spring break next week from the 18- 22. Do I need to make some observations myself during this time? Also, I have gifted groups three times per week at a scheduled time. One of the groups I have falls in the local solar noon time and I think we can make some observations during this time. My other groups meet at different times. I may be able to work with the teachers and do observations with the entire class consistently.

RE: Temperature measurements

2024-03-12T12:30:52Z

Jackie - I'm not sure what the specs are for the pocket lab, but I think this would be considered a digital thermometer. As long as it meets the Instrument Specifications (p. 25 for air temperature) then it can be used following calibration procedures. In the instrument specs section for air temperature it reads,
"Instrument Specifications: Digital Temperature Sensor Digital temperature sensors may also be used to monitor temperature. These must have either an accuracy of ± 0.5 ºC or a precision of at least ± 0.5 ºC and an error offset that is temperature independent."
Hope that helps.

temperature measurement

2024-03-12T00:37:16Z

Can I use a digital pocket lab air to measure temperature?

Temperature measurements

2024-03-12T00:35:32Z

Can I use a digital pocket lab air to record temperature?

How do clouds form?

2024-03-11T20:54:47Z

We received several questions during our session about how clouds form.

Answer: Clouds are created when water vapor, an invisible gas, turns into liquid water droplets. These water droplets form on tiny particles, like dust, that are floating in the air. The NASA Climate Kids website has information on this. The Met Office also has a video about cloud formation.

RE: Thermometers

2024-03-08T15:09:39Z

I appreciate the IR thermometer recommendation, and advice to calibrate with an ice bath.

Spring 2024 GLOBE Clouds Workshop - RESOURCES - Google Docs

2025-10-03T23:52:22Z

Spring 2024 GLOBE Clouds Workshop - RESOURCES - Google Docs

Spring 2024 GLOBE Eclipse Workshop Series Day 1 - Clouds - SLIDES

2025-10-03T23:52:22Z

Spring 2024 GLOBE Eclipse Workshop Series Day 1 - Clouds - SLIDES

RE: Number of cloud observations

2025-10-03T23:52:22Z

Dear T. Faison, thank you for your question! We encourage you to make as many observations as you can, but just a few per day. The more observations you make, the better you and your students will get at identifying cloud types, estimating cloud cover, and interpreting satellite matches!

Number of cloud observations

2025-10-03T23:52:22Z

We received the following question from T. Faison: "How many cloud observations do you recommend we complete in the program?"

RE: Thermometers

2024-03-05T20:13:02Z

The glass thermometers typically have a 1 -2 degree C range; Depending on what is being measured, I have had more consistent results using the Fluke IR thermometer.

RE: Thermometers

2024-03-05T20:08:18Z

1. Calibrate (ice bath).
2. Check the specs of the instruments. That's only +/- ~1/2 degree.
3. Use it as a lesson for the students: instruments aren't perfect. Even when they give you a digital readout to the nearest 10th.

Thermometers

2024-03-05T19:53:19Z

Hello! Has anyone had an issue with classroom thermometers giving different readings? How would you deal with it (especially to get temperature during eclipse)?

Test

2025-10-03T23:52:22Z

Test
link GLOBE Home Page - GLOBE.gov

RE: Visualization System - Photos of Clouds

2023-06-20T15:56:35Z

Two options - login to GLOBE and go to the vis system. Select the last option in the menu (looks like a person with a lock) and select "Show My" and "Sites". That will show all the places you've made a measurement. If you click on any of the red dots, it will popup a window showing what was measured at that location:

Option 2 - Use "My Observations". That will also show all of your measurements in a quick and easy fashion. Select "My Observations" under the GoTo menu on the left side:

Visualization System - Photos of Clouds

2025-10-03T23:52:22Z

How can I find my cloud photo submissions in the Visualization System?