Sky Survey
Hosted by: Science Action Club - California Academy of Sciences
Visit our Booth: Sunday, March 7, 2021, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Join in for a Sky Survey Live Broadcast and Demo at 1:15 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. Join the Science Action Club in this live demonstration and Sky Survey activity.
Recommended Grades: 6th, 7th, 8th
The Challenge: Sky Survey observations help NASA researchers study Earth's weather and climate. In this activity, youth practice their cloud identification skills, conduct their first Sky Survey observation, and submit their findings to NASA through the citizen science application GLOBE Observer.
Recommended Materials:
- Cloud Cover grid
- Sky Color strip
- Sky Survey chart
- Sky Survey sticker
- Mobile device with an Internet connection (ex: phone, tablet)
How does this activity connect to STEM and today's Girl Day theme of Imagining Beyond: Sky and Space?
Through GLOBE Observer, citizen scientists like you help NASA understand how clouds affect weather and climate. Through observation of the sky, recording and reporting data, you can help confirm or clarify valuable data from NASA satellite photos.
Citizen science is a global movement in which scientists and the general public collaborate to answer some of the most pressing questions about our planet. Many big scientific questions require more data than one single scientist or even a team of scientists, could collect. Through citizen science, anyone can learn the process of science and make valuable contributions!
Clouds affect weather and climate by controlling the flow of energy through the Earth's atmosphere. Since clouds can change rapidly, scientists need frequent observations from citizen scientists to better understand cloud cover over Earth's surface.
Activity Video & Instructions
You can click on this Sky Survey Activity Link for step by step instructions for this activity! You can do this activity with your family, friends, or on your own! These instructions are available in English, as well as Spanish.
For this activity, you will need a mobile device with the GLOBE Observer app downloaded. Follow these instructions on How to Create a GLOBE Observer account:
Watch the video for instructions on How to Do A Sky Survey
About Us
Science Action Club - A program of the California Academy of Sciences
San Francisco, California // Olivia VanDamme, Education Program Coordinator // ovandamme@calacademy.org // calacademy.org/sac
Science Action Club activates the citizen scientist in every curious kid. Designed by a world-class museum and research institution, SAC activities include hands-on STEM and nature challenges that inspire wonder and spark innovation for middle-school-aged-youth.
Embark on a backyard bug safari. Share atmospheric observations with NASA. Pilot your own paper bird. SAC kits and labs take youth outdoors to investigate nature and design creative solutions to our planet’s most pressing problems—and have fun doing it.
Learn more about how Science Action Club increases science literacy, fosters STEM identity, and expands equity and access to high-quality science and nature education here!