Atmospheric conditions play a major role in the soil formation of a particular area and can determine which types of wildlife are able to survive in the region. Measuring these conditions is vital for scientists studying weather, climate, land cover, phenology, ecology, biology, hydrology and soil.
GLOBE Protocols (Teacher's Guide)
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GLOBE Protocols (Teacher's Guide)
The GLOBE Teacher's Guide includes a collection of scientific background information, data-collection protocols and learning activities categorized by Earth sphere. To maintain high data accuracy, GLOBE protocols must be followed closely. Only use instruments that meet the required specifications, and make sure data is entered according to GLOBE standards.
The Teacher's Guide is made possible through the combined efforts of various authors and editors.
The Teacher's Guide is made possible through the combined efforts of various authors and editors.
Getting Started Documents
- ​​​​​​​Teacher's Guide Intro (pdf)
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- Introduction (pdf)
- Appendix (pdf)
- ​​​​​​​Tool Kit (pdf)
instrumentation and activities
To maintain high data accuracy, GLOBE protocols must be followed very closely. Only use instruments that meet the required specifications, and make sure data is entered according to GLOBE standards.
Learn more about instrument specifications and find certified suppliers.
Learn more about instrument specifications and find certified suppliers.
GLOBE Learning Activities are a great, action-oriented way for students to approach scientific concepts. Teachers can use them to compliment their own lesson plans, or modify them to fit their time, resources or learning objectives. Each Learning Activity also includes the specific education standards addressed for that worksheet.
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Learn more about GLOBE Learning Activities.
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Learn more about GLOBE Learning Activities.
GLOBE Protocols by Earth Sphere
Select a GLOBE Sphere to explore our protocols, learning activities and supporting resources.
All living things depend on the Biosphere for survival. Whether it is shelter, food or protection, the type of land cover in a given habitat directly affects the kinds of animals that likely inhabit it.
Water is a crucial resource for life and a key player in many important chemical reactions. These reactions help shape the land and change the composition of water bodies, which in turn affect the wildlife that live in those bodies.
The varying components found within soil can drastically alter its ability to retain water, house nutrients and support life. Collecting data on a region's soil temperature, moisture and chemical properties is critical to researchers across the scientific spectrum.
The GLOBE Program's measurements provide students with the tools to begin exploring Earth system phenomenon themselves. Through data collection and student research, GLOBE students are helping show how Earth functions as a system, and what we can do to reduce people's global impact.
Protocol Measurement Frequency
Figuring out the time commitment of a GLOBE Protocol is an important factor to consider when you are determining which protocols to incorporate into your educational setting. GLOBE's Protocols have a wide range of measurement times and frequencies that depend on the specific protocol you are studying, for example, there are some protocols that only require a measurement to be taken once per site, while others may require daily measurements. To help GLOBE Educators identify which protocols work best for their time constraints, GLOBE has created the protocol measurement frequencies charts below.
Atmosphere | Daily | Weekly | Monthly | Seasonally | Semi-annually | Annually | Once per site |
Aerosols | X | ||||||
Maximum, Minimum and Current Temperature | X | ||||||
Barometric Pressure | X | ||||||
Clouds | X | ||||||
Precipitation | X | X | X | X | |||
Relative Humidity | X | ||||||
Surface Temperature | X | ||||||
Water Vapor | X |
Biosphere | Daily | Weekly | Monthly | Seasonally | Semi-annually | Annually | Once per site |
Biometry (Tree Height) | X | ||||||
Green-Up and Green-Down | X | X | X | ||||
Land Cover | X | ||||||
Phenological Gardens | X | ||||||
Carbon Cycle | X |
Hydrosphere | Daily | Weekly | Monthly | Seasonally | Semi-annually | Annually | Once per site |
Alkalinity | X | ||||||
Electrical Conductivity | X | ||||||
Dissolved Oxygen | X | ||||||
Freshwater Macroinvertebrates | X | ||||||
Mosquito Habitat Mapper | X | ||||||
Nitrates | X | ||||||
Water pH | X | ||||||
Salinity | X | ||||||
Water Temperature | X | ||||||
Water Transparency | X |
Pedosphere (Soil) | Daily | Weekly | Monthly | Seasonally | Semi-annually | Annually | Once per site |
Bulk Density | X | ||||||
Frost Tube | X | ||||||
Gravimetric and Volumetric Soil Moisture | X | X | X | X | |||
Particle Density | X | ||||||
Particle Size Distribution | X | ||||||
Exposing a Soil Profile | X | ||||||
Soil Characterization | X | ||||||
Soil Fertility | X | ||||||
Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) | X | ||||||
Soil pH | X | ||||||
Soil Temperature | X | X |