Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Thirty-eight science educators from seven school districts in Virginia’s Tidewater region partnered with community organizations and NASA's education programs to strengthen STEM education. This collaboration between NASA eClips and the GLOBE Program connects classrooms with community science and NASA resources.
As part of NASA’s Science Activation Program, educators attended professional learning sessions at the National Institute of Aerospace in Hampton, Virginia. These three-hour sessions featured hands-on investigations exploring how land cover affects surface temperature, how clouds impact atmospheric conditions, and the role of soil in environmental systems. Activities aligned with Virginia Science Standards related to weather, climate, and Earth's energy budget.
Participants used scientific instruments such as infrared thermometers and minimum/maximum thermometers to build their skills in accurate environmental data collection. The program included interactive exercises on the urban heat island effect, cloud opacity demonstrations, and practice in submitting observations with the GLOBE Observer app.
This initiative builds on two years of collaboration among NASA eClips educators, GLOBE scientists from NASA Langley Research Center, regional school divisions, and community organizations. Support from the Coastal Virginia STEM Hub and grant funding expanded access and provided stipends, promoting a sustainable STEM ecosystem in the region.