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NASA GLOBE Clouds: Spring Cloud Observations Data Challenge

Audience: Students and teachers all grade levels, informal educators, and the general public

Dates: March 15, 2018 - April 15, 2018

The NASA GLOBE Clouds team at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA is excited to announce the NASA GLOBE Clouds: Spring Cloud Observations Data Challenge. Participants are invited to enter up to 10 cloud observations per day from March 15, 2018 to April 15, 2018 using the GLOBE Program’s data entry options or using GLOBE Observer app. GLOBE and GLOBE Observer participants with the most observations will be congratulated by NASA scientists with a video posted on the NASA GLOBE Clouds website. Follow the steps on the GLOBE Clouds: How to participate website to learn more about submitting your cloud observations. Only those that enter their cloud observations using the GLOBE Online Data Entry website, GLOBE Data Entry app, or the GLOBE Observer app will be considered.

PLEASE NOTE: Your observations are important and may be used in a research project about clouds. Please be sure to only enter an observation for a particular timestamp once. We recommend that you wait about 10 to 15 minutes between observations to notice changes in the atmosphere. You can target your observations to be when satellites will be over your area. 

We hope you participate in this data challenge. Your observations help scientists better understand satellite data of our atmosphere. Below are some resources and helpful links to help you make your observations.

Cloud Identification Resources and Tips

• Educators: Use this recommended activity outline perfect for the classroom or afterschool settings
• GLOBE Cloud Identification Chart (English)
• Dr. Lin Chamber's tip for cloud observers
• Dr. Tina Cartwright's foldable dichotomous key for cloud identification

Data collection and data entry help

• Cloud Data Sheet (print form) -  You can use this form to gather data. Please remember that you need to enter the data into GLOBE or GLOBE Observer to be considered for the data challenge.
• Tips and tricks for using the GLOBE Observer app for cloud observations
• GLOBE Web Tutorials on how to use the GLOBE website

Highlights of NASA GLOBE Clouds Teachers with classroom tips and ideas

• Mr. Gary Popiolkowski, a middle school science teacher with 44 years of teaching experience. 
  Read about how he does daily cloud observations with his students, from going outside, analyzing the data, and entering the data into GLOBE.
• Mr. Jeff Bouwman, 6th & 7th grade teacher at Shumate Middle School in Gibraltar, MI.
  Read about how Mr. Bouwman led a group of students through a research project looking at the most prevalent cloud types in their area.