Introducing the EMERGE and GLOBE Mission Mosquito Webinar
A new opportunity for educators to enhance their teaching with innovative tools has emerged through a free two-part webinar series titled 'Teaching with EMERGE & GLOBE Mission Mosquito.' Hosted by NASA and announced on September 15, this series aims to equip teachers with skills in coding and citizen science. The webinars, scheduled for September 17 and 24, are designed to integrate real-world science into classrooms by connecting educators with programs that encourage student participation in data collection and analysis.
The Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) program, a cornerstone of this initiative, focuses on advancing Earth systems science. Through GLOBE Mission Mosquito, participants worldwide contribute to tracking mosquito populations, a critical effort in understanding environmental changes and disease spread. This webinar series bridges GLOBE with EMERGE, a Florida-based initiative that supports educators in engaging with public health data.
Enhancing Classroom Learning with Citizen Science
Educators attending the webinar will learn how to use tools like the GO Mosquito Habitat Mapper app, which allows students to contribute to global mosquito seasonality maps. This hands-on approach not only teaches scientific methods but also empowers students to play a role in addressing public health challenges. As noted by NASA's outreach, 'this program brings real science into the hands of learners,' emphasizing the practical impact of citizen science.
The collaboration between GLOBE and EMERGE offers resources for both formal and informal educational settings. Teachers will gain access to lesson plans and activities that align with Next Generation Science Standards, ensuring that the content fits seamlessly into existing curricula. This section of the webinar series will provide actionable strategies for integrating these tools into diverse learning environments.
Why Mosquito Tracking Matters in Education
Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance; they are vectors for diseases like malaria, Zika, and dengue fever, making their study vital for public health. The GLOBE Mission Mosquito campaign, supported by NASA, educates students on how climate changes can influence mosquito populations and disease outbreaks. Dr. Rusty Low, Lead Scientist for the campaign, has highlighted the importance of 'understanding the mosquito story' as a way to engage learners in pressing environmental issues.
By participating in this webinar, educators can inspire the next generation of scientists to tackle real-world problems through data-driven solutions. The series promises to be a gateway for teachers to connect with a global network of citizen scientists, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose in addressing environmental challenges. This initiative underscores NASA's commitment to education and public engagement in science.