Stars and STEM Stories
Downingtown Middle School, Downingtown, PA, United States
GLOBE students in Downington Middle School realize that they can make significant contributions to science - locally, regionally, and globally! After a special kick-off ceremony with local and federal elected officials, the GLOBE students have begun diligently collecting and reporting data for use in their own research projects as well as by professional scientists.
"This program gives real hands-on experience and gives real meaning to what science is all about," State Senator Robert Thompson commented at the ceremony. "Rather than asking why are we doing this, it gives (students) a chance to actually see results and get down and dirty in a project, and it also provides scientists with real data."
Locally, the students will provide data for the Chester County Water Resources Authority, explained Ms. Charlene Briggs, an agronomist, environmental education specialist, and volunteer parent working with GLOBE schools in Downington County. Downingtown Middle School's Hydrology site is at the intake point for the local water supply.
Regionally, the Chester County Water Resources Authority plans to use the GLOBE atmosphere and hydrology data and the Brandywine Valley Association will include the students' data in their annual State of the Watershed Assessment Report. At the state level, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection will also archive and use GLOBE student data, along with data collected by other volunteer monitoring groups.
"I think it is important to make connections with other organizations who can benefit from GLOBE data," Ms. Briggs remarked. Downington Middle School is hoping to initiate a collaborative research project on atmosphere with other GLOBE schools, especially along Latitude N40. Interested schools should email Ms. Briggs at: earth@early.com
20 April 2000