Student Research Reports

View Research Report

This study investigated the pedagogical potential of applying the scientific protocols of the GLOBE/NASA Program, combined with the construction of three-dimensional models, as a strategy to promote youth protagonism, educational inclusion, and the development of critical environmental awareness among high school students. The project was carried out at Escola Estadual Professora Calpúrnia Caldas de Amorim, located in Caicó-RN, in the Seridó Potiguar territory — a semi-arid region characterized by water scarcity and significant climatic challenges. The methodology involved the application of GLOBE protocols related to Earth's spheres: Atmosphere (cloud observation), Pedosphere (soil analysis), Biosphere (tree measurement), and Hydrosphere (water quality assessment). The data collected were integrated into scientific three-dimensional models representing the Earth system, highlighting the interdependence among environmental spheres. These models will be presented at the National Fair of the GLOBE Brazil Program as a visual and pedagogical synthesis of the results obtained. The findings demonstrated that the combination of empirical observation, digital technology, and tangible modeling fosters meaningful learning, stimulates critical thinking, and enhances the inclusion of students targeted by special education. The experience revealed that citizen science, mediated by art and technology, is an effective strategy to foster environmental engagement and strengthen the understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 4, 13, and 15. It is recommended that interdisciplinary practices of this nature be continued and expanded, consolidating the GLOBE protocols as an educational tool in challenging socio-environmental contexts. KEYWORDS. Citizen science. Environmental education. Scientific modeling. GLOBE/NASA. Sustainability.