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

  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

   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

  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

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