In the fall of 2025, over 1,500 students and more than 50 educators from Maine and New Hampshire took part in NASA’s GLOBE Green Down project. This initiative invites students and volunteers to observe and record seasonal changes in plant life, like leaf color changes and when leaves drop. The data they gather helps scientists understand how ecosystems react to climate change.
GLOBE Green Down is part of NASA’s larger GLOBE Program, which engages students, educators, and the public in real scientific research. Participants used a color guide and follow specific protocols for their observations. This approach ensures the data collected is consistent and high-quality, allowing it to be analyzed alongside data from around the world.
This project was led by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, which aimed to take learning outdoors and improve students’ observation skills. A wide range of tree species, such as maple, oak, and apple, was studied by students from pre-K to high school, who recorded their findings in local environments.
In Portland, for example, students from five elementary schools gathered data from their schoolyards as part of their science education programs. Contributions from learners stretched from Machias, Maine, all the way to British Columbia, generating a rich dataset reflecting diverse seasonal patterns.
As students collected data, they formulated their own research questions. They investigated how different species respond to factors like sunlight and drought, and how these might affect leaf color change timing. This inquiry mirrors how scientists approach research.
Educators noted that the program helped students forge a deeper connection with their local ecosystems and engage with real-world scientific data. Many students discussed environmental changes, linking local observations to global climate issues.
The GLOBE Green Down field season was organized under NASA’s Science Activation program as part of the Learning Ecosystems Northeast (LENE) project. LENE encourages collaboration among educators across several northeastern states, promoting STEM education and local ecosystem stewardship. This empowers young people to engage in significant scientific research supported by NASA.
According to a recent survey, 78% of educators reported that such hands-on science initiatives greatly improved student engagement and understanding of environmental science (source: National Science Teachers Association, 2023). This shows how programs like GLOBE can make a lasting impact on students’ education.
For more details on participating in GLOBE and making a difference, check out the GLOBE Program website.
