Globe School

The idea of the scientific-educational program GLOBE (Global Learning and Observation for the Benefit of the Environment) was announced on Earth Day in 1994 by then US Vice President Al Gore. The program was experimentally launched in the USA on April 22, 1995, and the governments of many countries around the world signed agreements on the implementation of the GLOBE program with American representatives on those days. Croatia was among the first countries to start implementing this global program.

By including in the GLOBE program, the name of the school and basic data about it appear on the world list of schools on the GLOBE website(www.globe.gov). Data on ecological measurements, which the school entered into the GLOBE database, become publicly available and visible in the form of numerical tables, graphs and maps, so they can be used to create GLOBE displays and visualizations. Involvement also brings the possibility of connecting with GLOBE schools from other parts of the world, participating in campaigns and international projects.

Some measurements require appropriate measuring equipment, but there are protocols for which no special equipment is required (estimating cloud cover and sky color). For some other measurements, instruments are made by hand (cover survey), while some measurements require more complex and expensive equipment (e.g. thermometers, weather stations, chemical sets for determining physical and chemical parameters of water).

Mastering measurement techniques and research methodology and data entry are the first steps to successfully implementing the GLOBE program. The full meaning and value of the program lies in using the database to create independent student or school research projects and in the possibilities of direct electronic communication within the global GLOBE network.

A few years ago, data entry into the GLOBE database was facilitated using mobile applications. This allows data to be entered into a cell phone in the field and sent immediately to the GLOBE base or to be delayed until an Internet connection is established (GLOBE Observer application).

Gymnazija Dubrovnik has been a member of GLOBE schools for many years. Since April of the last school year, the activities of regular and continuous student measurements and observations in the immediate environment of the school, in the area of atmosphere, water, soil and cover, have been started again. The collected results according to the protocol for the atmosphere, air temperature (minimum, maximum and average), humidity and air pressure, and the amount of precipitation are entered into a common database, which is open and available to all visitors at the address: www.globe.gov .
The measurements are carried out at the Davis Vantage Vue ISS weather station.

By participating in the program, students apply their school theoretical knowledge to concrete examples and through experiential learning, they gain new insights into the integrity of the environment, developing numerous skills and positive attitudes, and gaining self-awareness based on their active participation and contribution. The implementation of the GLOBE program certainly contributes to the modernization of teaching and the development of a number of student competencies, especially in the areas of natural sciences, geography, and computer science.

Leader: Linda Jurkić

Associates: Toni Prusina, Adrijana Čustović, Jasmin Deraković i Kate Hrdalo