Exploring Cloud Types with the NUBE Card Game: An Innovative Educational Tool
Understanding the varied types of clouds is essential in grasping how they influence our weather and climate. However, identifying cloud types can often pose a challenge. Educational games offer a solution by making the learning experience both enjoyable and accessible. They provide an opportunity for learners of all ages to engage with scientific concepts interactively, fostering an environment for families and friends to learn together while having fun.
Introduction to the NUBE Card Game
The NASA Science Activation Program, through its initiative the NASA Earth Science Education Collaborative (NESEC), has joined forces with the Queens Public Library to create an innovative educational card game, NUBE. The term “NUBE,” which means “cloud” in Spanish, aptly reflects the game’s focus. This engaging game is part of the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) program and aims to teach players about different cloud types and sky colors.
NUBE is designed to be both educational and interactive. Players match cards based on cloud types or sky colors, featuring 11 types of clouds and five shades of blue. This color differentiation is significant, as the color of the sky can indicate the level of aerosols present in the atmosphere. The game includes special cards like Rainmakers, which alter the sequence of play, Obscurations that compel the next player to draw additional cards, and Mystery cards that invite players to guess cloud types based on hints. Through this gameplay, participants can learn the names and characteristics of various clouds and gain an appreciation for the nuances of sky color and cloud formations.
Expanding Reach Through Libraries
NESEC has partnered with another NASA Science Activation project, NASA@ My Library (NAML), led by the Space Science Institute, to introduce the NUBE game to library programs. NAML has facilitated the distribution of the game to 292 libraries across the United States, spanning 45 states. A significant portion of these libraries is situated in rural areas, underscoring the project’s reach and inclusivity. Additionally, SSI has promoted this initiative within its library network and co-hosted a webinar with NESEC for interested libraries.
Libraries that receive the NUBE game commit to integrating it into at least one program and providing feedback through a brief evaluation survey. These programs can range from weather and safety workshops to citizen science clubs, homeschool groups, summer reading sessions, and game nights. The NUBE card game is thus a versatile educational tool that libraries can incorporate into various community programs to enhance learning experiences.
Testing and Development of NUBE
The development of NUBE involved multiple iterations, with extensive testing across different age groups conducted at several branches of the Queens Public Library. Feedback from young children, teenagers, and adults helped refine the gameplay and design elements. The game was also tested at the Challenger Center and the Center for Science, Technology, Education, and Mathematics (STEM) Teaching and Learning at Northern Arizona University.
Alex Hernandez Bonifacio, an early learning educator at the Queens Public Library, shared an insightful observation from a young participant. A third grader was surprised to learn that certain conditions could obscure the view of clouds, such as heavy snow or low-lying fog. This revelation sparked curiosity and a deeper understanding of cloud formations, highlighting the game’s potential to illuminate complex scientific concepts through play.
Following the feedback and design votes from testers, NUBE is now available for download, ready to be enjoyed by anyone interested in learning more about clouds and the atmosphere.
Participating in Citizen Science with the GLOBE Observer App
For those eager to delve deeper into the study of clouds, the GLOBE Observer app is an excellent resource. Available for download on smartphones, this app allows users to participate in hands-on NASA scientific research. As a citizen scientist, one can share observations of the environment, contributing valuable data to NASA’s scientific community. The app does not require users to be U.S. citizens, making it accessible to a global audience.
The GLOBE Observer Clouds Toolkit further enriches the learning experience by offering additional resources and activities centered around clouds. This toolkit is designed to engage users in cloud-related activities, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of atmospheric science.
NESEC and the Science Activation Portfolio
NESEC, led by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) and supported by NASA under cooperative agreement award number NNX16AE28A, is a vital part of NASA’s Science Activation Portfolio. This initiative aims to connect NASA’s scientific experts, authentic content, and immersive experiences with community leaders. By doing so, Science Activation endeavors to inspire curiosity, promote scientific literacy, and foster a deeper understanding of the world and universe around us.
For more information on how Science Activation is making science accessible and engaging for communities worldwide, visit NASA’s Science Activation website at [NASA Science Activation](https://science.nasa.gov/learn).
In conclusion, the NUBE card game represents a creative and effective approach to science education. By transforming the learning of cloud types into a fun and interactive experience, NUBE encourages players to explore the complexities of our atmosphere. With the support of libraries and educational institutions, this game has the potential to inspire future generations of scientists and environmental enthusiasts.
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