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From 12th do 23rd of May, Primary School Zrinskih Nuštar was a temporary home to Cloud Hunters 2024 exhibition.
Due to chaotic weather, exhibition was held inside the school next to the main entrance and next to the Geography classroom.
During the first week of the exhibition, our school was being visited by students from a school in Slovakia.
Our Geography teacher organised a cloud observation and tree measurement workshop for Croatian and Slovak students on their first day.
They were introduced to the exhibition after the workshop.
Students who participated in the Cloud Hunters 2024 were shown the exhibition a bit later.
Article and photos by Josip Čajkovac
"Cloud Hunters Specialists 2024" at Makarska City Library and
"Biokovsko zvonce" Kindergarten, Makarska, Croatia
The "Biokovsko zvonce" Kindergarten in the premises of the City Library Makarska set up an exhibition ", Look Up-Cloud Hunters 2024", which the children, together with their parents, observed and photographed. A workshop for children, "Those Miraculous Clouds", was also held in the library itself, where Ana Duvnjak, the library manager, supported the workshop by introducing the children to the story "Oblačasta" by Zoran Vakula, a Croatian meteorologist. After introducing the story, experiments followed in which the children, together with the pedagogue Snježana Ninčević, the kindergarten teacher Petra Šimič and Ana Duvnjak. Children investigated how clouds, rainbows, rain, and tornadoes are formed by conducting various experiments. The "Look Up-Cloud Hunters 2024" exhibition was set at the library"Biokovsko zvonce" from 10th to 23rd April 2025 and after that, from 24th February to 3rd March 2025, at the "Biokovsko zvonce" Kindergarten premises. Kindergarten the second time won the title of "Cloud Hunters Specialists" within the "Look Up-Cloud Hunters" Competitions, and also looking forward to the new "Look Up-Cloud Hunters 2025".
Article and photos by Snježana Ninčević
"Ploče" Kindergarten-"Cloud Hunters Specialists 2024" Adventure at Ploče, Croatia
Teachers
Iris Kežić Glamuzina & Marina Kuran
In the spring of 2024, we joined the "Look Up-Cloud Hunters 2024" Competition on the 2024 STEM Discovery Campaign. We won the prestigious title as one of the 19 "Cloud Hunters Specialists 2024", which we are extremely proud of. Thus, on January 10, 2025, the "Look Up-Cloud Hunters 2024" travelling exhibition reached our kindergarten, and on January 10, 2025, an exhibition of photos from the mentioned campaign was set up. During the duration of the exhibition, various related activities were held in "Ploče" Kindergarten. On January 21, a thematic workshop of STEM experiments called rain, cloud, snow and volcano was organized. The response of parents and the interest of children was extremely high. All the events were followed by "Radio Ploče" by hosting the educators Marina Kuran and Iris Glamuzina, who participate in the Globe Program and conduct thematic activities. Our stories were shared on the "Radio Radar" radio show, as well as the Internet portals "Klik" and "Radio Ploče". We got the exhibition from "Medvjedići-Rugvica" Kindergarten and forwarded it to "Biokovsko zvonce Makarska" Kindergarten, so we have established valuable contacts and cooperation on a community level as well. By joining the Globe Program, we have noticed many benefits such as better cooperation with parents, greater interest in children, and inter-kindergarten cooperation. We also got great interest and support from the local community and media and our students are proud to contribute to citizen science and climate change awareness. The "Look Up-Cloud Hunters" started a new learning path for us, our students and our community like continuing new citizen science "Look Up-Cloud Hunters" adventures with our youngsters. Connecting STEM with art from early childhood, and with a little teacher support has evoked yet unrealized potential for "Ploče "Kindergarten". "Look Up-Cloud Hunters 2025", "Ploče" Kindergarten is coming...
Article and photos by Iris Kežić Glamuzina & Marina Kuran
We appreciate the (A) quality in STE(A)M education !
Percipitation experiment
We can also make a cloud and snow
"Rainbow Clouds"
Join us in the clouds with our
Balloon Flight
"Look Up-Cloud Hunters 2024"
was at the "Medvjedići Rugvica" Kindergarten, Croatia
Proud students and teachers from Medvjedići Rugvica Kindergarten
Children from the Medvjedići Rugvica Kindergarten, from group Hadges, participated in the international competition „Look Up - Cloud Hunters 2024.“ in April 2024. The international competition „Look Up - Cloud Hunters“ has been held for the third year in a row as the only competition from Croatia as part of the Scientix Steam Discovery Campaign. The initiative is represented by the Globe Program Elementary K-4 , and the „Science Picnic“ that is coordinated by CARNET ( the Croatian Academic and Research Network), OUI, Balthazar and Amateur Scientists associations.
Children from the Medvjedići Rugvica kindergarten, with their educators Marija Jukić and Ivana Kralj, participated in a competition that involved observing clouds, recording data and submitting it to the Globe Observer. They also carried out a variety of activities related to clouds, exploration, weather and weather forecasting. The activities were conducted across all areas of children's development. The competition involved observing, recognizing and photographing clouds that impressed them, and then submitting the recorded data with the help of their educators. The recorded photographs become part of this travelling exhibition which is displayed in kindergartens, schools, libraries and museums. This beautiful exhibition was set in our kindergarten from December 19, 2024, till January 7, 2025. It was displayed in the kindergarten hall where children and parents could enjoy it.
We are very proud to have participated in such a competition and to be active in GLOBE projects and future STEM Discovery Campaigns.
Article and images by Ivana Kralj
"Look Up-Cloud Hunters 2024" was at the 2024 GLOBE Europe and Eurasia Regional Meeting and Training in Ljubljana, Slovenia
From 11 to 15 November 2024, the 2024 GLOBE Regional Meeting brought together 120 participants from 26 countries in Ljubljana, Slovenia. At the meeting, teachers, educators, coordinators, trainers, scientists, NASA specialists, representatives from the GLOBE Program Office, and U.S. Embassies exchanged ideas and best practices during various collaborative training events. Workshops and discussion roundtables covered topics related to the GLOBE Program and NASA technologies, collaborative projects, and community engagement. The event united participants from diverse backgrounds with a shared commitment to scientific exploration and diplomatic efforts, contributing to a better understanding of the planet Earth and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals. The GLOBE Europe and Eurasia Region Coordination Office organised the Meeting in cooperation with GLOBE Europe and Eurasia Board, GLOBE Slovenia with partners, and the GLOBE Implementation Office, USA.
We are proud to have been part of this unique event once again and extend our gratitude to the Europe and Eurasia Region Coordination Office for inviting the "Look Up-Cloud Hunters" to showcase the dedicated efforts of students, teachers, and partners in promoting Citizen Science and advancing STE(A)M education.
Opening ceremony
Discussion roundtables
GLOBE GIO and NASA are open to the voices of the community in joint efforts for the contribution to society
Outdoor workshops
(Croatia team)
"Look Up-Cloud Hunters" each year competition participants from the "Dubovac" Primary School met the exhibition
Wonderful representatives from the USA ( The GLOBE Office and NASA crew), always open to support the community
The only representatives from Euroasia (Kyrgyz Republic crew)
Dedicated hosts at the closing ceremony
Look Up-Cloud Hunters 2024 Exhibition is starting its journey
from the 13th Znanstveni piknik/Science Picnic
The 13th Znanstveni piknik/Science piknik was a two-day event at the "Oršić" Castle , Gornja Stubica, Zagreb, Croatia. The event gathered more than 500 educators and 70 educator teams. Around 3000 students and their teachers travelled from all parts of Croatia to learn, play and enjoy the programme. Various workshops, science experiments, projects and panels were offered to the public in coordination with the Professor Balthazar Association. The event was supported by numerous partners and sponsored by the President of the Croatia, the Krapina-Zagorje County, the City of Zagreb, the Ministry of Science and Education, CARNET.hr and the Ruđer Bošković Institute. The Look Up-Cloud Hunters is a joint project from Znanstveni piknik/Science Picnic and "GLOBE Program Elementary K-4", coordinated by Professor Balthazar Association (Udruga Profesor Baltazar); Empower, Perfect and integrate for the Development ( OUI); Amateur Scientists Association (Udruga Znanstvenici Amateri) and CARNET (Croatian Academic and Research Network). For the third consecutive year, the exhibition of the Look Up-Cloud Hunters Competition Winner's photos are displayed at the event. The 2024 exhibition is lounched from event and ready to travel abroad.
Be ready, schools and kindergartens, the "Look Up-Cloud Hunters 2024" is comming to you!
Znanstven Piknik Location: https://znanstvenipiknik.weebly.com/lokacija.html About: https://znanstvenipiknik.weebly.com/o-pikniku.html
👀Explore the "Look Up-Cloud Hunters 2024" virtual exhibition :
📜Read the stories of the "Look Up-Cloud Hunters Specialists 2024":
Ivano-Frankivsk City Environmental Station,
Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
The weather is a daily miracle. When the snow falls, the world seems fabulous. It is better to dream in the rain. Clouds are fantasies. The sun is the joy of life, and the wind is the feeling of will. Every child is interested in the mysteries of the weather. This is an incentive for the cognitive activity of children.
During April and May, a series of "Weather" activities were held for children. The students learned what the weather is, and how you can determine what the weather will be by looking at plants and animals.
Stories about clouds, how they are formed, types of clouds, what
precipitation is (snow, rain, hail) was interesting.
Children studied what the wind is and how it occurs on the planet, what thunder and lightning are and how to behave during a thunderstorm.
Article by Bohdana Vasylchyshyn
Photo credit: Bohdana Vasylchyshyn
Lori Region , v. Gugark, Primary school,
Vanadzor v. Gugark, Armenia
After I had introduced to students about this project they were very interested in it. Most of the students wanted to participate in this project, but there had been chosen only 5 students from the 4th and 5th grades.
We take photos of clouds using our mobile cameras. Children were taking photos of clouds during days with enthusiasm and they were looking for images in the sky. It was fun to be Cloud-Hunters and it was a great opportunity to explore the capabilities of the mobile application „GLOBE Observer“ by observing clouds and atmosphere conditions. Children explore technology and discover that it can have a purpose as citizen scientists. In this way, they direct their attention to nature.
It was a great pleasure to participate in this project.
Article by Meline Hayrapetyan
Photo credit: Meline Hayrapetyan
2nd P.S of Nea Eryhtraia, Athens Greece
The 2nd Primary School of Nea Erythraia participated in the LookUpCloudHunters 2024 competition, a project merging environmental awareness with scientific curiosity. Having won the 2023 LookUpCloudHunters competition, the school is now hosting the “LookUpCloudHunters 2023” exhibition, which initially baffles visitors. The central focus is on clouds, prompting questions about their significance. As the exhibition's purpose unfolds, it becomes evident that it revolves around the importance of cloud observation and its impact on our planet.
Each class of students, aged from 8 to 10 years old, delved into the relationship between clouds, local climate, and regional weather patterns. Additionally, they underwent training in cloud observation techniques using NASA Globe Observer tutorials. Furthermore, students utilized the NASA Globe Observer app to aid NASA’s satellite missions. Their ground-level observations complemented satellite data, fostering a unique connection between Earth and space.
Students formed small groups, armed with tablets, and ventured into the schoolyard to capture sky images using the GLOBE OBSERVER app. They researched satellite pass timings over their school and submitted their observations to NASA GLOBE. Upon receiving a report from NASA Globe confirming their observations' alignment with satellite data, the thrill of discovery was palpable. Students realized their contributions were impactful.
This project has instilled a new habit among students, who now eagerly capture moments when spotting interesting clouds. It's a habit that fosters a connection to the captivating world of space technology. Through cloud observation, students deepen their understanding of Earth’s climate systems and engage in scientific research. They're making a tangible difference, enhancing their STEM skills, and contributing to citizen science. This initiative underscores the school’s dedication to nurturing environmental awareness and scientific curiosity among its students.
Full article presentation on Canva: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGDyafHljk/1MDBi7f32byx2Nb_CoY8nw/edit?utm_content=DAGDyafHljk&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Full article with photos (pdf): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DRJ99IuZhHP5rUDEw9j7ftStB5ZZsFu6/view?usp=sharing
Article by Georgia Lascaris
3rd Primary School of Nea Erythraia, Athens, Greece
The 3rd Primary School of Nea Erythraia in Athens, Greece, initiated the Cloud Hunters Initiative to promote environmental awareness and scientific curiosity among its 8 to 10-year-old students. Inspired by a neighbouring school's “LookUpCloudHunters 2023” exhibition event, the students eagerly participated in this year's program. They learned about the importance of cloud observation through hands-on activities and resources provided during the Cloud-Hunters exhibition. With the introduction of the NASA Globe Observer app, students began contributing ground-level cloud data to supplement satellite observations, forging a unique connection between Earth and space. Their enthusiasm led to the formation of new cloud-hunting groups, and their contributions were validated by a report from NASA. This initiative not only deepened their understanding of Earth's climate but also fostered a passion for STEM disciplines and citizen science. The project was implemented during the ICT and Computer Science classes and exemplifies the school's commitment to innovative STEM education. Me and my students are looking forward to participating in this competition every year. It is a great opportunity to observe the clouds. This year it was a bit difficult for us to observe clouds for some days since we had high concentrations of dust in the air. But we managed to have some observations on the 29th and 30th of April 2024. It was a great outdoor activity. Making these observations the student contributed to help worldwide scientists and NASA for a better understanding of Earth.
Full Article with photos (Canva doc): https://tinyurl.com/32p4u3sr,
Full Article with photos (pdf): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CSsNcj1XvLBsHA_xBjP2hnkOPW_loN87/view?usp=sharing]
Article by Georgia Lascaris
Anayia Primary School, Nicosia, Cyprus
Me and my students are looking forward to participating in this competition every year. It is a great opportunity to observe the clouds. This year it was a bit difficult for us to observe clouds for some days since we had high concentrations of dust in the air. But we managed to have some observations on the 29th and 30th of April 2024. It was a great outdoor activity. Making these observations the student contributed to help worldwide scientists and NASA for a better understanding of Earth.
Article by Alexia Alexandrou
Photo credit: Alexia Alexandrou
"Ploče“ Kindergarten, Ploče, Croatia
In Dječji vrtić „Ploče“, on the occasion of the 2024 Earth Day Celebration, a group of 3-7 year-old students engaged in research activities about Planet Earth. To begin, we read the book "Look Inside the Earth" by Mario Gomboli. We discussed Planet Earth as a system and explored pollution and nature preservation actions. Comparing photos of polluted and unpolluted environments, students expressed their concerns about ongoing nature pollution. They also gave suggestions on how to contribute to making the planet Earth cleaner and happier.
Students shared ideas on what the secrets of forests are: abundant clean air and oxygen, pristine rivers and streams with golden fish swimming, and magical flowers that spread kindness with their fragrance. We also discussed drawings where students expressed their vision of a happy and unpolluted Earth.
The painting activities showcased students' imagination. We had a joint activity with parents where we planted flowers in our garden. Through this, we learned that plants need soil, water, light, and clean air. To better understand how much water plants need, we also watched the sky for signs of rain. Observing clouds in the sky, we used the GLOBE Observer App to detect cloud types and sky colours. Additionally, we took photos of lovely clouds around our kindergarten and painted our interpretations.
Students were curious about Cumulus clouds, so we revisited a past experiment involving a soda and vinegar volcano, which reminded us of clouds forming in the sky. We repeated the experiment with soda and vinegar, and indeed, bubbles and foam rising reminded us of Cumulus cloud formation. We became real "Cloud Hunters" and resolved to continue our sky-watching and cloud hunting. We also inspired parents to engage in cloud hunts when we were not in kindergarten.
Article by Iris Kežić Glamuzina
Photo credit: Iris Kežić Glamuzina
"Biokovsko zvonce" Kindergarten, Makarska, Croatia
This school year, in cooperation with parents, preschool children were little cloud hunters. With the help of their parents, they regularly submitted their pictures of clouds to their kindergarten teachers and pedagogues through a common application, and we displayed them on a board so that they could observe them every day and notice the differences in the clouds. Observing their works, we came up with the idea to encourage them to think about what they see in the cloud, what each cloud reminds them of, and to show it through drawings. We included preschool children (20 children) and their parents in the planned activity. From the resulting works, we made a joint exhibition "Clouds in the Eyes of Children and Parents".
Article by Snježana Ninčević
Photo credit: Snježana Ninčević
Photos by parents and children of the "Biokovsko zvonce" Kindergarten
"Medvjedići Rugvica" Kindergarten, Rugvica, Croatia
Look-Up The Cloud Hunters is an important project so that children, through the learning process, adopt the importance of taking care of nature gain empathy towards nature and people and realise the importance of preserving the planet Earth. Development of ecological awareness and criticality in children and the need to explore nature, development ability to observe specific characteristics of elements of the natural environment and development of knowledge about the cause-and-effect relationships between objects and natural phenomena and human behavior in relation to nature, are developmental tasks that we would emphasize. We offered various incentives in the table-manipulative, mathematical, beginning centre reading and writing,
art centre and nature and research centre (various board games, couple pictures, tables, paper clips, blankets, inserts, bingo, graphomotor templates, and various art materials). We observed clouds and observed and recorded data. We performed experiments and made posters (The process of water circulation in nature, classifying clouds according to height, measuring the amount of precipitation, and monitoring weather conditions). We expressed ourselves artistically according to observation. principal, teammates and parents. We came to the solution by observing, performing experiments and recording the results. We noticed a great interest among children in carrying out activities and taking notes of the course and the results are the same.
Of the benefits for children who are achieved during the work on the project, we would emphasize the development of independent thinking and actions, self-assessment of one's own achievements, expression of one's own ways of thinking, development of relationships with peers and adults, regulation of
emotions (patience, waiting for a turn) and development of motor skills.
During the project, the children became aware of the importance of preserving nature and adopting some lifestyle habits that contribute to the same and develop empathy towards nature.
Article by Ivana Kralj & Marija Jukić
Photo credit: Ivana Kralj & Marija Jukić
"Petar Pan" Kindergarten, Zagreb, Croatia
"Cloud Hunters - Imagining and Exploring the Sky" is an immersive adventure that combines imaginative expression with outdoor exploration, inviting children to delve into the captivating world of clouds and cloud hunters. This dynamic activity unfolds in two parts, each offering a unique and enriching experience.
In the first part of the activity, children are encouraged to unleash their imagination as they envision and create their interpretations of cloud hunters. Teachers started with questions: Who are the cloud hunters? What do they look like, and what do they do? These questions ignite lively discussions and inspire children to embark on a creative quest to bring their imaginative visions to life.
All the artwork and drawings combined with narration and explanation of students are published on Padlet,
https://padlet.com/tratincicedvpetarpan/cloud-hunters-e6ui5l5pumyl8zhj
Following the imaginative journey children venture outdoors for the second part of the activity. Eagerly, we step into the backyard of our school ready to embark on a real hunt and exploration of clouds, also we made an observation on the day trip in the countryside,
With curiosity children gaze up at the sky, observing the shapes and movements of clouds, defining the weather and they have to use a camera to take pictures of clouds and upload them in the Globe app. Guided by teachers, they engage in discussions about cloud formation, weather patterns, and the wonders of the atmosphere. As they spot interesting cloud formations, children experiment with their own imagination, shaping imaginary clouds in the air with their hands. Amidst the sky-gazing and cloud-spotting, children weave imaginative stories about their experiences as cloud hunters. Through play, exploration, and storytelling, we deepen their understanding of nature's wonders and cultivate a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around us.
Article by Alen Ptičar
Photo Credit: Alen Ptičar
"Trnsko" Kindergarten, Zagreb, Croatia
The "Look Up: Cloud Hunters" initiative has been a transformative experience for 24 children and their two educators, propelling them into an immersive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) journey centred around the exploration of clouds. This project has not only enhanced the participants' competencies but has also significantly strengthened their divergent thinking skills. The core of our project involved inquiry-based learning, where students actively participated in classifying different types of clouds and analysing atmospheric data. This hands-on approach fostered a deep understanding of meteorological phenomena. The children employed critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they hypothesized about weather patterns, conducted experiments, and observed cloud formations. Their analyses were not confined to mere observations; they extended to drawing meaningful connections between cloud types and weather conditions. An essential component of our project was the creative communication of findings.
Students expressed their discoveries through various art forms, including drawing, storytelling, and digital media. This interdisciplinary method not only solidified their scientific knowledge but also nurtured their creativity, allowing them to present complex information in an accessible and engaging manner. These activities helped the children to become more confident in sharing their insights and fostered a sense of pride in their work.
One of the most impactful outcomes of the "Look Up: Cloud Hunters" activity was the cultivation of a sense of wonder and environmental stewardship among the participants. The children’s curiosity about the natural world was piqued, and they developed a greater appreciation for the environment. This newfound awareness is crucial in fostering a generation that is conscientious about ecological preservation. The "Look Up: Cloud Hunters" activity has demonstrated the profound impact of STEAM education on young minds. By engaging in a holistic exploration of clouds, the children not only expanded their scientific knowledge but also honed their creative and collaborative skills. This initiative exemplified the power of interdisciplinary learning and highlighted the importance of fostering an inquisitive and environmentally conscious mindset in the next generation. Through this activity, we have witnessed firsthand the boundless potential of children when they are encouraged to explore, question, and collaborate.
Article by Franka Miko & Marijana Srdarević
Photo Credit: Franka Miko Matošević
"Zapruđe" Kindergarten, Zagreb, Croatia
Once again, our Cloud Hunters participated in GLOBE's Look Up Cloud Hunters Competition. This is our 3rd year of being a part of the Cloud Hunters competition. This year kids from kindergarten Zapruđe in Zagreb learned about the difference of clouds, the importance of knowing them and using that knowledge in real life. This year we learned more on our own; meaning - parents were less involved than in the last few years, but the results were good. Motivation and interest in going on was and is present and we'll keep up just as good cloud hunters do! A thumbs up to kids from Zapruđe Kindergarten!
Article by Izidor Radmanović
Photo credit: Izidor Radmanović
"Maksimir" Kindergarten, Zagreb, Croatia
The kindergarten Maksimir from Zagreb, Croatia, has a lovely courtyard where children enjoy and freely observe the sky. On Friday, April 26, 2024, the children noticed a new encyclopedia among the books titled "Disney My First Encyclopedia" by the publisher Egmont. As we flipped through, we found interesting facts about clouds and types of clouds. We agreed that as soon as we stepped out, we'd look up and guess which type of cloud was floating in the sky above our courtyard at that moment. We named the cloud formations as well. Few older children followed the instructions of the GLOBE Observer mobile application and conducted their own scientific research. Preschool teachers Marijana Karapetrić and Marija Jukić explained to the children the application and the observation sequence. They made decisions and choices, thus fostering their development of independent thinking and action so that one day, as responsible citizens of society, they can actively contribute to the development of the scientific community and the preservation of the environment in which they live.
Article by: Marija Jukić & Marijana Karapetrić
Photo credit: Marija Jukić & Marijana Karapetrić
"Medo Brundo" Kindergarten, Zagreb, Croatia
In a whimsical kindergarten classroom, young minds explored the mysteries of clouds through the Look Up Cloud Hunters 2024 competition. Guided by their teachers, the children crafted clouds in a bottle, learning about condensation and cloud formation. They then created colourful clouds in jars, discovering how temperature and humidity affect cloud shapes. Using an interactive globe board, they traced the paths of clouds across continents, gaining insight into cloud movement and forms.
Outside the classroom, they painted cloud-inspired art, expressing their wonder on canvas. Through playful comparisons, they imagined clouds as familiar objects, enhancing their understanding. The journey culminated in a puppet show about cloud adventures, blending creativity and storytelling. The children emerged with hearts full of wonder and newfound knowledge, ready for future scientific adventures.
Article by Nataša Maček
Photo credit: Nataša Maček
"Dr. Ante Starčevića" Primary School, Zagreb, Croatia
Students of primary school Dr. Ante Starčevića from Zagreb, Croatia who are members of the GLOBE junior group regularly participate in activities related to monitoring and measuring changes in the environment. The group consisted of 19 students aged 8-9. Their mentor is teacher Sanja Župan, who is the head of the GLOBE junior team.
This time they were engaged in observing the sky and repeating the types of clouds. During the short period of two weeks in April, each student chose one cloud, which he then photographed. Teacher Sanja used the students' works (photos) to participate in the competition LOOK UP-CLOUD HUNTERS 2024.
Teacher said that they had a lot of fun and that they are looking forward to participate in some similar competitions.
Article by Sanja Župan
Photo credit: Sanja Župan
"Juraj Dobrila" Primary School, Rovinj, Croatia
As part of the computer science classes in the 4th grade of the
Rovinjsko Selo district school, which operates as part of the Primary
school Juraj Dobrila Rovinj, the pupils took part in the "Look
Up-Cloud Hunters" competition for the first time. Pupils primarily
participated in cloud observation activities and recording
observations. Perception contributes to the awareness of phenomena in
nature that constantly surround them. They made a concrete connection
with the teaching of informatics by photographing interesting cloud
shapes using available digital technology consisting of a digital
camera or a mobile device. By using digital technology in a
stimulating way, as is the purpose of the competition, pupils are
motivated to use technology responsibly and with a concrete purpose.
During the implementation of the activity, we also carried out
measurements that we sent to the GLOBE system using a mobile
application, which also strengthened the pupils' digital competencies
and familiarized them with a modern, accessible and fast way of
recording observations. The competition was also an opportunity for
students to strengthen their awareness of natural phenomena and to
present their photos in class, thus strengthening their presentation and communication skills. We look forward to participating next year.
Article by Igor Dobrača
Photo credit: Igor Dobrača
"Zrinskih Nuštar" Primary School, Nuštar, Croatia
Students (age 5-11) were given a short course on clouds and proper cloud observation by the Geography teacher and GLOBE Educator with support from head teachers for individual group of students (5-10 students). The course consisted of a brief lecture on the types of clouds (cloud families) from a GLOBE poster. Students have learnt to pronounce their names and recognise similarities and differences between different cloud types. After that, students went outside for a field demonstration on determining cloud types from a GLOBE flowchart and finally, the GLOBE Observer application. All students participated in identifying types of clouds and inputting data into the GLOBE Observer application. Up to 5 students were chosen per group to take photographs using GLOBE Observer application with and without the application’s assistance for finding the cardinal directions.
Article by Josip Čajkovac
Photo credit: Josip Čajkovac
"Mahično" Primary School, Mahično, Croatia
Conducted activities of the Look Up-Cloud Hunters competition:
Students of the 3rd grade of the Mahicno Elementary School systematically carry out cloud study activities. Students use the Globe Observer application and continuously monitor the clouds in the school environment. In the past period, students have become independent and independently go through the steps of recognizing, counting and recording data in the mentioned application.
During the winter and spring periods, students compared the appearance of clouds. By recording the data, they came to the conclusion that in spring, clouds are more common in the sky.
Using the method of detecting floors (layers of clouds), students learned how to use their fingers to determine which floor the clouds in the sky belong to.
This year, the students had the opportunity to talk about clouds with the famous meteorologist Zoran Vakula and learned interesting things from him about this topic.
On the occasion of School Day, the Look Up-Hunters 2022 exhibition was set up in the school lobby, which was enthusiastically viewed by parents and school students.
Article by Jasmina Štefan
Photo credit: Jasmina Štefan
"Braća Seljan" Primary School, Karlovac, Croatia
GLOBE students in elementary school "Braća Seljan" from Karlovac this year, again, didn't miss the opportunity to participate in the "Look Up- Cloud Hunters" competition.
Beside taking interesting photographs of clouds, they were all very interested in learning something more about clouds.
We see clouds nearly every day because they float in the sky above us. They can be white and puffy and on rainy days they are dark and cover the entire sky. Different kinds of clouds can mean different kinds of weather. Meteorologists study the formation and make-up of clouds to understand the weather better.
Meteorologists combine cloud characteristics and levels to get the ten main cloud types:
High cloud - cirrus, cirrocumulus, cirrostratus
Middle cloud - altostratus, altocumulus, nimbostratus
Low cloud - stratus, stratocumulus
Vertical - cumulus, cumulonimbus
All these types of clouds pupils have made on their posters which are now decorations in our classroom.
Also, the kids explored some amazing facts about clouds. Here are some of the most interesting:
A cloud that forms on the ground is called fog.
Some clouds you see in the sky might be from aeroplanes. These are called contrails.
High-level cirrus clouds may travel at speeds up to 100 mph.
Even though clouds float in the air, a single cumulus cloud can weigh hundreds of tons.
Other planets with atmospheres have clouds including Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn.
Article by Vladimira Fumić
Photo credit: Vladimira Fumić
"Banija" Primary School, Karlovac, Croatia
Poster by Ankica Veseljić
Congratulations to all "Cloud Hunters Specialists 2024", and looking forward to sending the travelling exhibition to the participants!
For the “2024 STEM Discovery Campaign”, projects
“GLOBE Program Elementary K-4" and “Science Picnic/Znanstveni piknik 2024” are announcing their third competition
"Look Up-Cloud Hunters 2024"
("Look Up-Cloud Hunters" is based on the methodology of the international GLOBE Program and uses the NASA GLOBE Observer App )
GLOBE®
Join the „Look Up - Cloud Hunters 2024“ Competition, open to primary schools and kindergartens! Engage in observing clouds and atmospheric conditions, catching enchanting cloud formations with your camera and earn the title of "Cloud Hunter"! This non-profit initiative is inspired by the esteemed methodology of the international GLOBE Program, and it leverages the cutting-edge GLOBE Observer App to provide an immersive experience in cloud exploration.
Who can participate: Elementary/primary schools or kindergartens (students age 5-11) from the following countries: https://www.globe.gov/globe-community/community-map
Type of activity: Online (08 April to 30 April 2024 by SDC24), and follow-up (exhibition on the Science Picnic 2024 / Znanstveni piknik 2024 on September 2024)
Technology required: „GLOBE Observer” Mobile App and camera
Education domain area: STE(A)M, art, sustainable development, environmental
awareness, citizen science, atmosphere
Awards: Traveling exhibition “Look Up-Cloud Hunters 2024”
IMPORTANT DATES:
Register/login to the Scientix portal: deadline 30 April 2024
Observation activity period: from 08 April to 30 April 2024
Pin in the activity to SDC24 Map with the SDC24 submission form: deline 30 April 2024
Send the required data to lookup.cloudhunters@gmail.com or by “Look Up-Cloud Hunters 2024” submission form: deadline 05 May 2024
Write an article of activity implementation to lookup.cloudhunters@gmail.com (optional): deadline 12 May 2024
Winners announcement: 02 June 2024
More information: "Terms and Conditions Look Up-Cloud Hunters 2024" document
For any inquiries related to the competition and awards, please write to: lookup.cloudhunters@gmail.com
Join the STEM Discovery Campaign 2024 !