2022 International Virtual Science Symposium

2022 International Virtual Science Symposium

GLOBE is excited to host the 2022 GLOBE International Virtual Science Symposium (IVSS)! The IVSS is a way for primary through undergraduate students from all GLOBE countries to showcase their research and hard work. With GLOBE, students learn the practices of science through hands-on investigations in their own communities, which sparks their curiosity and interest in science. This often leads to inquiries that help solve real-world problems and further understanding of our global environment. It's time for your students to show the world what they've learned!

This year, the IVSS is focusing on Engineering Solutions for a Changing Climate. Students are encouraged to think creatively about solving environmental issues through engineering-minded solutions concerning climate change. We encourage students to present their research in creative ways, such as through storytelling tools including video, online media, storyboards, drawings, and more.

IVSS 2022 Timeline

Check out our timeline below for project submission deadlines and other important dates:

Think Like an Engineer

Anyone has the ability to be engineering-minded to utilize creative thinking and innovative approaches to engineering solutions for a changing climate and to become better stewards of the Earth. Much like looking at the Earth as a System and not individual spheres or components, engineering-minded thinkers solve problems by approaching an issue from a holistic perspective and integrating many different skills to create solutions.

There are many different ways to think about engineering. Engineers are problem solvers and they help improve our world through invention and design. There are many classic engineering specialties such as:

• Mechanical: Designing and developing power-producing machines
• Civil: Designing and developing infrastructure
• Chemical: Developing and designing chemical manufacturing processes
• Computer: Designing and developing computer systems and technological devices

Engineering in Action

Anyone - biologists, ecologists, artists, business people and environmental scientists - can also employ engineering-minded thinking and engineering techniques to help them in their work or research. Students may want to think about how they can address local environmental issues, such as water pollution or the shifting dominant species type in a forest, through engineering-minded thinking.

For example, GLOBE students presented their project exploring the pH of their community watershed after a wildfire at the 2019 Southwest Student Research Symposium (SRS). To help them take measurements, the students created a device using sensors and a recycled plastic bottle that could be mounted on the side of the river channel and take constant measurements as the stream flowed by. These students did a wonderful job of applying engineering skills to help them study the river and address a problem that affects their community.
 

Resources for Engineering

For the 2022 IVSS, students of all ages are encouraged to think creatively to address issues concerning the environment, especially issues concerning climate change. To help students and teachers with this, we have compiled some resources:

​​​Tip: If you are curious to learn more about the "behind the scenes" work that the GIO IVSS staff does, check out: What Happens After You Submit an IVSS Report: The GIO Process.  

IVSS 2022 Timeline