The collaboration involved NASA eClips, the GLOBE Program, and community organizations such as the Elizabeth River Project, with the goal of cultivating a regional STEM ecosystem connecting classrooms, community science, and NASA resources. Participants explored how land cover influences surface temperature, how clouds impact atmospheric conditions, and how soil plays a role in environmental systems. The experiences were anchored in NASA eClips resources and GLOBE protocols.
Educators calibrated and used scientific instruments such as infrared thermometers and multi-day minimum/maximum thermometers. They also examined the urban heat island effect, engaged in a cloud dance and cloud opacity demonstration, and learned to use the GLOBE Observer app. NASA eClips is part of NASA's Science Activation Program and provides standards-aligned resources, while the GLOBE Program empowers participants to contribute to citizen science through environmental data collection and analysis.
The initiative builds on two years of intentional collaboration among NASA eClips Educators from NIA-CISE, GLOBE scientists from NASA Langley Research Center, and regional school divisions and community organizations. Support from the Coastal Virginia STEM Hub, funded through the Virginia General Assembly, was instrumental. Grant funding provided educator stipends and enabled purchase of equipment including weather instrument shelters and soil kits.
Instrument shelters were constructed by Career and Technical Education students.