About the GLOBE Program

Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment

The GLOBE Program is a hands-on environmental science and education program that unites students, educators, and scientists from around the world in studying the global environment.

The goals of the GLOBE Program are:

• to enhance the environmental awareness of individuals worldwide,
• to increase scientific understanding of the Earth, and
• to improve student achievement in science and mathematics.

GLOBE is a worldwide network of K-12 (or equivalent) students working under the guidance of teachers trained to conduct the GLOBE Program.

GLOBE students:

• make a core set of environmental observations at or near their schools,
• report their data through the Internet to a GLOBE data processing facility,
• receive and use global images created from worldwide GLOBE school data, and
• study environmental topics in their classrooms.

Over 10,800 schools in more than 97 countries are participating in the GLOBE Program. Students have reported over one million science observations in the areas of atmosphere, hydrology, landcover/geology, and soils, guided by over 9,500 GLOBE-trained teachers. These data are used by GLOBE students and scientists to support environmental research and other environmental science programs.

Environmental scientists from many nations have participated in selecting GLOBE environmental measurements, ensuring overall quality control of data, and using the data in their research.

Age-appropriate GLOBE educational materials have been developed by international environmental educators for use in GLOBE schools. GLOBE teachers receive special training on teaching the measurement procedures, using GLOBE images as instructional materials, participating in GLOBE using Internet/World Wide Web technology, and creating partnerships among students at GLOBE schools around the world.

Broad international participation is integral to the design of the GLOBE Program. GLOBE international partners sign bilateral agreements with the U.S. for schools in their country to participate in the program. In the U.S., GLOBE is administered by a Federal interagency team that includes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Science Foundation, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Departments of Education and State, working together with over 50 state and local partner organizations.

The GLOBE Program
744 Jackson Place
Washington, DC 20503

For more detailed information about the GLOBE program:

Visit: www.globe.gov