Students at St. Peter Claver Catholic School (SPCCS) are helping to gather data as part of a global research project examining how clouds affect the climate.

Fifth graders in Shawndell McKinnon’s class are participants in the S’COOL Project, which is a partnership with NASA scientists and more than 3,000 students in 84 countries.

As part of the earth science curriculum, 18 SPCCS students are conducting experiments, learning how to identify clouds and implementing observation techniques. The students then communicate the information with NASA scientists to compare land-based observations with satellite-retrieved data.

“NASA’s main observation is to test the accuracy of their satellite instruments,” said McKinnon. “Students better understand through hands-on data collection about some of the daily responsibilities of NASA scientists, and helping to spark interest in STEM careers.”

The students also benefit through learning about data collecting, understanding the relevance in collecting data, incorporating technology into data and projecting their findings into written reports.

“NASA is interested in learning if their satellites are receiving the same information as the ground reports or if clouds affect the satellites’ collected data,” said McKinnon. “The goal [for the students] is to instill enthusiasm for and foster a love of science, technology, engineering, and math.”

SPCCS students begin at an early age developing STEM-related skills including the introduction of computers in pre-kindergarten classes. The most recent technology innovation includes the school’s purchase of 24 Raspberry Pi computers to teach programing skills. The Raspberry Pi computers, which were created in England, provide affordable programming equipment to encourage students to develop an interest in technology. 

“I like the program for the many curriculum objectives it incorporates,” Sister Cheryl Ann Hillig, DC, principal at SPCCS said, “but most importantly because it introduces future STEM career opportunities that our students can investigate further.”

SPCCS is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Florida Catholic Conference. The school’s curriculum follows the Diocese of Savannah and the Georgia Performance Standards. The school offers merit and need-based financial aid and is open to children of all faiths.