Stars and STEM Stories
GLOBE Colombia: A Teaching Legacy Built Through GLOBE Citizen Science
José Norbey Sánchez Hernández’s connection to the GLOBE program began not with a textbook, but through mentorship. In 2007, he inherited a well-established citizen science initiative from Professor Adiela Garrido de Pinzón, a recognized pioneer of science education in Bogotá, Colombia. At the Francisco de Paula Santander District Educational Institution (INEM) in Kennedy, Professor Garrido had transformed the school into a working field laboratory. Her work was recognized by El Tiempo, the largest national newspaper in Colombia, which described her students as “the scientists of 42nd Street” for their systematic collection of meteorological data for NASA.
Sánchez Hernández continued this work with the goal of showing that scientific research is accessible and meaningful for students. His early efforts took shape in the project Didactics for Supporting Environmental Learning with Students Enrolled in the GLOBE Program, which focused on turning students’ natural curiosity into structured scientific inquiry.
Through direct participation in the GLOBE Program, students and teachers conducted environmental observations such as:
- Air temperature and precipitation measurements using GLOBE protocols
- Solar radiation monitoring
- Cloud observation and classification aligned with GLOBE cloud standards
- Water quality assessments following GLOBE hydrology guidelines
These activities introduced students to core scientific practices such as data collection, observation, standardization, and analysis. Each measurement reinforced both environmental awareness and scientific rigor, while contributing valid data to an international research network.
The quality of this work gained national attention when Colombian meteorologist Max Enríquez Daza participated in several project activities. His involvement validated the scientific methods being used and helped students understand the real-world relevance of their data. His presence also demonstrated how professional scientists play a key role in motivating young people to pursue research and environmental stewardship.
Over time, Sánchez Hernández expanded his focus beyond the classroom. His long-standing interest in weather observation and environmental science led him to professional training at Colombia’s Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology, and Environmental Studies (IDEAM). There, he strengthened his technical knowledge in atmospheric science, with applications relevant to both environmental monitoring and aviation safety.
This combination of education and applied science guided his work at the Aeronautical Studies Center (CEA), where he collaborated with other educators to establish a research-focused learning community.
Building on his earlier experience with GLOBE, Sánchez Hernández founded the AeroGLOBE Youth Research Seedbed, a program designed to prepare young researchers for careers in aeronautics and environmental science. Within this space, students participated in:
- Atmospheric data collection and interpretation
- Cloud identification using both GLOBE visual protocols and meteorological satellite imagery
- Understanding the role of weather and clouds in flight safety
- Linking ground-based GLOBE observations with remote sensing data
This trajectory—from a public school in the Kennedy section of Bogota to a national aeronautical research environment—illustrates how educational programs like GLOBE can shape long-term scientific careers.
The CEA AeroGLOBE Seedbed reflects that commitment. It provides students with a clear understanding of how atmospheric science directly supports aviation safety, environmental protection, and sustainable development.
Today, Sánchez Hernández continues to combine teaching, research, and mentorship, honoring the legacy he inherited while demonstrating the long-term value of citizen science. His work highlights how sustained investment in education and science strengthens both local communities and global knowledge systems.
Learn more about GLOBE Colombia.
Story and images courtesy of José Norbey Sánchez Hernández, MGA; MA in Climate Change
Licentiate Engineer; Specialist in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), GLOBE Trainer and educator