Stars and STEM Stories
GLOBE Israel: Bringing Global Science to Israeli Kindergartners
When Young Scientists Meet Global Research
In October 2024, something remarkable began at Ha'Etz HaGadol (The Big Tree) Kindergarten in Kibbutz Mishmarot, Israel. Children aged 4–6 started their mornings not with typical circle time but as designated "weather monitors" conducting authentic scientific research for NASA's GLOBE program. Under the guidance of kindergarten teacher and certified GLOBE instructor Natali Horovitz, these young learners became Israel's first kindergarten participants in the global scientific initiative.
Custom GLOBE station with three height levels for cloud identification, designed for children ages 4–6
Breaking New Ground in Early Childhood Science
As part of her master's degree in Pedagogical Innovation, Horovitz recognized that young children could make meaningful contributions to global scientific research. She developed a unique adaptation of the GLOBE protocols, specifically designed for early childhood education, and created the first successful implementation of the program for children ages 4–6 in Israel.
The centerpiece of this innovation is a custom-designed GLOBE station featuring three distinct height levels for cloud identification, positioned perfectly for small hands and curious eyes. Using authentic photographs taken by the children themselves, the station enables independent scientific work while maintaining the rigor expected of GLOBE protocols.
Daily Discoveries Through Cloud Observations
Each morning, student weather monitors begin their day by stepping outside to observe sky conditions and cloud formations. Using a specially developed cloud atlas adapted for young learners, these budding scientists identify various cloud types, including cumulus, cirrus, stratus, cumulonimbus, and altocumulus formations, which range from simple to complex cloud combinations. The children have become remarkably proficient, accurately distinguishing between different cloud types and heights while confidently using scientific meteorological terminology, including "temperature," "precipitation," "cloudy," "partly cloudy," "rainy," "snowy," "wind intensity," and "humidity."
On the left: Children use tablets with the GLOBE Observer application to photograph clouds and submit data directly to NASA's global database
On the right: Digital research station featuring a microscope connected to tablets for scientific exploration and documentation
When satellite notifications arrive through the GLOBE Observer application, the designated daily weather monitors take the lead in collecting real-time data. These students photograph clouds from six different angles using tablets, record weather conditions, and submit their observations directly to NASA's global database. From October 2024 through May 2025, the 32 participating children conducted more than 100 meteorological measurements, contributing valuable data to the international scientific community.
Community Connections Reach New Heights
The program has fostered unique community partnerships that extend scientific learning beyond the classroom. Two parents, who are pilots, regularly contribute aerial cloud photography from aircraft, providing students with breathtaking perspectives of cloud formations from above. These images complement the ground-level observations, creating a comprehensive understanding of meteorological phenomena.
The program continues to expand beyond the classroom, with Horovitz now training additional parents to conduct independent observations, broadening the community of citizen scientists. This expansion ensures that GLOBE research continues beyond school hours and creates a sustainable network of local observers. The entire kibbutz community has embraced the program, expressing appreciation for seeing such young children engaged in meaningful scientific research.
Transforming Young Learners into Scientists
The impact on participating children has been remarkable. Horovitz
and parents report that children now spontaneously use scientific
terminology in daily conversations and demonstrate enhanced
observation skills across all areas of learning. These "little
scientists" confidently identify complex cloud formations and
understand their relationship to weather patterns, displaying
scientific thinking capabilities that exceed typical expectations for
their age group.
On the left: Aerial cloud photography contributed by parents, who are pilots, has provided a unique perspective for young scientists
On the right: Young scientists conduct daily meteorological observations and measurements as part of their morning routine
The program successfully combines artistic expression with scientific learning through cloud creation workshops using various materials, photography exhibitions showcasing children's observations, and daily presentations where young researchers share their findings with classmates.
Expanding GLOBE's Global Reach
Horovitz's pioneering work demonstrates that authentic scientific research can be accessible and meaningful for learners as young as 4 years old. Her adaptation maintains the scientific rigor of GLOBE protocols while embracing the playful, experiential learning approach essential for early childhood education.
The success of this implementation has attracted attention from Israel's Ministry of Education and international early childhood educators. By demonstrating that young children can make meaningful contributions to global scientific research, this kindergarten is opening up new possibilities for expanding GLOBE's impact to early childhood settings worldwide.
As these young weather monitors continue their daily observations, they are not only collecting valuable scientific data but are also developing the curiosity, critical-thinking skills, and global awareness that will serve them throughout their educational journey. Their work represents a new frontier in both early childhood education and citizen science, proving that age is no barrier to meaningful participation in global scientific research.
Learn more about GLOBE Israel.
Story and most photos courtesy of Natali Horovitz, kindergarten teacher and certified GLOBE instructor; aerial photo courtesy of parent of participating student at Ha'Etz HaGadol Kindergarten