GLOBE Virtual Science Symposium (VSS)

# GLOBE Virtual Science Symposium (VSS) The Virtual Science Symposium is the GLOBE Program's annual online research showcase, run with NASA support. Student teams investigate an environmental question in their own community, analyze data, write a research report, and submit it for review by scientists and educators - all without travel. The 2026 theme, "GLOBE Data Detectives: Using Data to Explore Change in Your Local Environment," asked participants to document environmental change and propose solutions. ## What You'll Do - Choose an environmental change affecting your local community and frame a research question - Collect your own measurements using GLOBE atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, or soil protocols - Pull supporting records from the GLOBE database and NASA satellite mission data - Write a full research report meeting the published VSS project requirements - Submit online, receive written reviewer feedback, and earn skill badges such as "I Work With Satellite Data" ## Who Should Apply GLOBE student teams from kindergarten through grade 12, working with a GLOBE-trained teacher or partner. Middle and high school students in grades 6-12 make up a large share of entries. Informational and data-access webinars run alongside the submission window each year. ## Outcomes Participants receive individualized reviewer feedback on their research, earn VSS badges recognizing specific research skills, and are celebrated in the annual research-teams showcase - a concrete, citable piece of environmental research experience built on real NASA and GLOBE data.