Stars and STEM Stories
Saudi Arabia Field Study Engages Girls in GLOBE Research
Saudi Arabia joined GLOBE in 2002 and was implemented into boys schools across the country. In 2011, GLOBE implementaion expanded to 24 Saudi girls schools in 12 educational districts; and in 2012 this number increased to 43 active schools at 22 educational districts. Al-Kharj is one of the 12 educational districts that implemented GLOBE in two girls schools in 2011: Al-Hayathem Intermediate and Secondary Girls School and the 9th Secondary Girls School.
On 18 April 2012, Mr. Khaled Al-Qahtani hosted a GLOBE girls team in Al-Kharj at his farm, where they conducted hydrology and soil protocols. The event was organized by the local GLOBE coordinator at Al-Kharj, Mrs. Afaf Al Juoma. GLOBE students from the two schools came together with their teachers and school principals, which included Mrs. Zayna Al Qahtani (former GLOBE teacher at Al-Hayathem Intermediate and Secondary Girls School), Mrs. Khulud Al Qahtani (new GLOBE teacher at Al-Hayathem Intermediate and Secondary Girls School), Mrs. Fouzia Al Daghre (GLOBE teacher at the 9th Secondary Girls School), Mrs. Nafla Al-Qahtani (principal of Al-Hayathem Intermediate and
Secondary Girls School) and Mrs. Sana Al Daaj (principal of the 9th Secondary Girls School) in the presence of Mrs. Jwaher Al Daaj (Head of the Department of Student Activity). The study was supervised by Dr. Mona Al-Dossari, Dean of Science and Humanities Faculty at Prince Salman University; Dr. Boshra Al-Hamdan, Chairperson of Biology Department; and Dr. Nesreen Khalil, Chairperson of Physics Department.
Students studied soil characterization using the pit method, which entails identifying the horizons of the soil profile, and observing the structure, color, consistency, and texture of the soil. Students also recorded the presence of rocks, roots, and carbonates at each horizon. Following the soil study, students practiced taking water transparency samples using a Secchi disk in the swimming pool to
simulate a body of water.
Students in Saudi Arabia record many of their GLOBE experiences to their own YouTube channel. Watch their videos of the training event:
Prior to this event, GLOBE students at Al-Hayathem Intermediate and Secondary Girls School and their teacher visited the 9th Secondary Girls School. To see the inside of their school and the equipment they are using, view this video.
Students at the 9th Secondary Girls School and their teacher also visited Al-Hayathem Intermediate and Secondary Girls School and documented their work in a video.
Read more GLOBE Stars from Saudi Arabia:
First National Environmental Competition for Girls in Saudi Arabia
GLOBE Research in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Expands
Saudi Students Turn Tragic Floods into GLOBE Research Project
19 December 2012