Empowering Educators: How NASA eClips and GLOBE Cultivate a Coastal Virginia STEM Ecosystem

In coastal Virginia, a dynamic partnership between NASA eClips and the GLOBE Program is transforming how educators teach Earth science. By connecting classrooms with community science and authentic NASA resources, this collaboration builds a regional STEM ecosystem where teachers and students engage in real-world environmental monitoring. The initiative brought together thirty-eight educators from seven school districts, along with community partners like the Elizabeth River Project, for hands-on professional learning that bridges content knowledge with practical application. Below, we explore the key aspects of this impactful collaboration.

What is the collaboration between NASA eClips and the GLOBE Program?

NASA eClips and the GLOBE Program are both part of NASA's Science Activation initiative, but they serve complementary roles. NASA eClips provides standards-aligned educational resources grounded in authentic NASA science, while GLOBE empowers participants to contribute to citizen science through environmental data collection and analysis. Together, they create a powerful bridge between content knowledge and real-world application. For example, educators use NASA eClips videos to introduce concepts like land cover and cloud formation, then apply GLOBE protocols to collect and analyze local data. This partnership ensures that learning is both engaging and scientifically rigorous, helping teachers bring Earth systems science to life. Learn more about the hands-on investigations that make this possible.

Who participated in the professional learning experience and where was it held?

The professional learning experience brought together thirty-eight science educators from seven school districts across Virginia's Tidewater region. These educators represented a diverse range of schools, all committed to deepening their instructional practice. The workshops were held on March 7 and April 18, 2026 at the National Institute of Aerospace (NIA) in Hampton, Virginia. Beyond the teachers, the event also involved community organizations like the Elizabeth River Project, which brings local environmental expertise. The NIA's Center for Integrative STEM Education (NIA-CISE) coordinated the collaboration, ensuring that NASA scientists and education specialists worked directly with participants. This blend of school districts, community partners, and NASA experts created a rich learning environment.

What hands-on investigations did educators engage in during the workshop?

Educators participated in three main investigations that explored how land cover influences surface temperature, how clouds impact atmospheric conditions, and how soil plays a critical role in environmental systems. These investigations were anchored in NASA eClips resources and GLOBE protocols, providing practical strategies for teaching Virginia Science Standards of Learning related to weather, climate, land covering, and Earth’s energy budget. For instance, teachers measured temperature differences between grassy areas and parking lots to understand the urban heat island effect. They also observed cloud types and opacity to link cloud cover with temperature changes. These activities modeled how to integrate authentic science practices into classroom instruction.

How did participants use scientific instruments to collect environmental data?

Participants gained hands-on experience with professional scientific instruments, including infrared thermometers and multi-day minimum/maximum thermometers. After a calibration exercise led by NASA scientists, educators practiced taking accurate surface and air temperature readings around the NIA campus. They learned to record data systematically and discuss sources of error. This process built confidence in collecting reliable environmental data—a skill they can transfer to their students. Additionally, participants explored the GLOBE Observer app, which allows anyone to submit cloud observations and land cover classifications to a global database. By practicing with these tools, teachers saw firsthand how citizen science contributes to NASA research. This community science component is central to the STEM ecosystem.

What interactive activities were included to help explore Earth systems?

The workshop featured several engaging, kinesthetic activities to make abstract concepts tangible. One highlight was the energetic cloud dance, where participants acted out cloud formation and movement, reinforcing the relationship between air pressure, temperature, and cloud types. Another activity was the cloud opacity demonstration, using materials like cotton balls and flashlights to simulate how different cloud densities affect light penetration and surface heating. Educators also participated in a simulated urban heat island investigation, comparing temperatures across different surface materials. These interactive sessions not only made learning fun but also demonstrated how teachers can incorporate movement and visual aids into their science lessons. The emphasis on active learning ensures students remain engaged.

How does this initiative contribute to a regional STEM ecosystem?

By connecting formal education with community science and NASA resources, this initiative fosters a regional STEM ecosystem that extends beyond individual classrooms. Teachers from different districts share best practices and data, collaborating on projects that address local environmental issues like the urban heat island effect. Community partners such as the Elizabeth River Project provide real-world context and opportunities for students to engage in stewardship activities. Meanwhile, NASA eClips and GLOBE offer continuous support through digital resources and data collection tools. This network creates a sustainable cycle: teachers gain expertise, students conduct meaningful science, and community organizations benefit from local data. The result is a vibrant STEM learning community that strengthens science education across coastal Virginia.

What are the broader goals of NASA's Science Activation Program and GLOBE?

NASA’s Science Activation Program aims to enable learners of all ages to participate in authentic NASA science experiences. Through initiatives like NASA eClips, it provides high-quality, standards-aligned resources that make NASA science accessible. The GLOBE Program adds a citizen science dimension, inviting participants to collect environmental data that scientists use for research. Together, they support the goal of building a STEM-literate society by empowering educators and students to engage with real-world data. In coastal Virginia, this partnership specifically strengthens understanding of Earth’s energy budget, land cover change, and climate processes. By training educators to use these tools effectively, the program ensures that the next generation is prepared to tackle environmental challenges with scientific rigor.

How can educators integrate these resources into classroom instruction?

Educators can integrate NASA eClips and GLOBE resources into their teaching by starting with the free, ready-to-use lesson plans and videos from NASA eClips that align with state standards. Then, they can adopt GLOBE protocols for data collection, such as measuring cloud cover, surface temperature, or soil moisture. The GLOBE Observer app makes it easy for students to submit observations from their schoolyard or local parks. Teachers can also join the GLOBE Educator Network for ongoing professional development and collaboration. The workshop modeled these steps: first introduce a concept with NASA eClips, then conduct a hands-on investigation using GLOBE methods, and finally, share data with the global community. This approach not only meets curriculum goals but also inspires students to see themselves as real scientists.