Belizean science students are about to collaborate with scientists the world over.
That's thanks to a new NASA state department project incorporating an app for sharing scientific data.
It's an exciting concept that adds a new dimension to experimentation in the scientific field and one that Belizean students should be eager to get their hands on.
Leyla Moses-Ones, Charge d'Affaires
"My understanding of the Globe program is that it is a chance for students to conduct real-world hands on scientific experiments using the scientific method and then feed those results into the apps program which then goes into the global database. So, for example if other scientists are tracking activity in Belize's mangrove, but aren't able to come here for hands on research, this is a way for students to go out, collect that data and personally contribute to the world's Trobe of information, a growing body of knowledge. We know for example, Belize's intricate mangrove system is efficient at consuming the excess carbon in the atmosphere, it is absolutely vital where the climate change studies are happening. So, we are very excited that Belize's blooming and blossoming scientists are having a chance to contribute to this real-world expanding knowledge of how to combat climate change."
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education
"Our curriculum, the national curriculum framework. This program is directly aligned too that because the national curriculum framework that we launched recently identifies and prioritizes science and technology as a key component of Belize's education curriculum. So, at every level of our education system, our students are going to be exposed to science and technology. And then, of course as I pointed out in my remarks, it is aligned with our own new approach to teaching and learning the competency based, project based approach to learning and that fits indirectly with this particular globe initiative. Which is all about data collection, research, sharing science and technology, hands on learning. It fits in directly with what we are doing so that is why we are so excited and enthusiastic about participating because we saw natural connection to what we were doing here in Belize."
Leyla Moses-Ones, Charge d'Affaires
"Nasa is one of the agencies that is sponsoring this program through the provision of technology and some of their scientists. Where Department of State is also intricately involved in this program, so it is really an interagency effort. Education platforms to help the new custodians of knowledge for the future, bringing them into real world problem solving. It would be great for any age because from the age of 5 you can experiment with, I don't want to give anyone ideas at home science remedies but building volcanoes and experimenting with physics. I think for middle-school, age 10 to 18 and beyond going out and conducting real world scientific experiments outside absolutely exciting and exhilarating to know that those experiments can be contributing to a global body of knowledge."
Jaime-Lee Usher, Principal, Belize High School
"This app really speaks to the latest evolvement of the education curriculum in Belize. we've been at the lead of that in terms of our ability as a private school to move curriculum, but this is a fantastic compliment to show just how much of education now happens beyond four walls of a classroom."
Zayid Assad, Student, Belize High School
"I was pretty fascinated with it, I think that app will allow Belize to get a better science education and better apply it to the country to better our ecosystem and economy and I think it'll be beneficial."
Erin Grey Sosa, Student, Belize High School
"It was such a great feeling; I am so excited. Growing up, I've always wanted to go to space and I'm currently pursuing a science major in attempt to becoming an astronautical engineer so being here, signing this agreement is just so exciting, such a great feeling."
Reporter
"What are some of the science experiments you are excited to try out and to contribute?"
Erin Grey Sosa, Student, Belize High School
"I'm so excited to try out, my school has a weather solar tree, and using data from the weather we can tell so much about our environment, how it's being impacted by climate change and how we can help reverse that in order to save our environment."
You can download the app now but Belize should be listed as one of its countries next week. And if you'd like a more straightforward user-friendly manual to work the app we'll be carrying out a full demo with embassy personnel and students next week on Sunup on 7.
