Stars and STEM Stories
GLOBE North Macedonia: From Soil to Science – Raising Environmental Awareness Through GLOBE Pedosphere Protocols
At Secondary School 'Orde Čopela' – Prilep in North
Macedonia, students are discovering the powerful link between soil and
the environment through hands-on science. Using the GLOBE Program’s
Pedosphere protocols, students have become active participants in
environmental education—collecting real-world data, analyzing trends,
and drawing local conclusions.
With the Pedosphere protocols integrated into their agricultural science curriculum, students have gained structured, science-based tools that help them explore environmental changes in a meaningful and accessible way. Their teacher, Ruzhica Jagurinoska, explains, “Students often need a direction or guidance to achieve the aim. The Pedosphere protocol is an excellent example of how to gain correct and comparable data all over the world.” Through guided projects, students learn how to conduct soil testing, gather data, and understand how the land around them is changing.
One project that captured their curiosity involved measuring how soil pH affects seed germination rates, while also examining the roles of seed and plant texture, structure, and color. These experiments gave students a chance to test their hypotheses, interpret data, and make connections between soil health and plant development.
Over time, their routine data collection—such as daily soil temperature readings and humidity observations—has deepened their understanding of environmental processes. They observed that soil moisture levels directly influence temperature fluctuations and identified how these changes affect planting conditions. These insights have helped them see agriculture through the lens of science and sustainability.
Their findings go beyond the classroom. The students upload their data to the GLOBE database, contributing to a global effort in environmental monitoring. They presented their work at the 2022 International Virtual Student Symposium (IVSS) and at various environmental events, where they shared their experiences with peers and younger students. These opportunities have built their confidence and strengthened their skills in communication, collaboration, and scientific inquiry.
During the June 5th World Environment Day on the Sustainable Future conference, with support from the Ministry of Environment and Public Health and UNICEF, students asked the minister for help determining the soil color.
The Pedosphere protocol has proven especially effective because it’s both low cost and student friendly. While there are some areas for improvement—such as more detailed soil testing kits and expanding research into soil pollution—students are already making meaningful discoveries. They’ve shown that with the right tools and support, they can take the lead in environmental science and education.
The success of the program has led to official recognition of their curriculum by the Center for Secondary Vocational Education of the Republic of North Macedonia. Looking ahead, there are plans to engage even younger learners, helping to foster environmental awareness from an early age and encouraging more students to explore science through the world beneath their feet.
Learn more about GLOBE North Macedonia.
Story and photos courtesy of Ruzhica Jagurinoska.