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  • STEMrific Dispatch – Vol. 12: STEM in Motion — Visualizing Earth Systems with Science On a Sphere

STEMrific Dispatch – Vol. 12: STEM in Motion — Visualizing Earth Systems with Science On a Sphere

Published by STEMrific | Powered by Educator Voice, Identity, and ImpactInnovate, Educate, Collaborate August 19, 2025

Author

Warren Edwards
August 19, 2025

STEMrific Dispatch

Welcome to DocStemHub!

This month, we’re spotlighting Science On a Sphere® (SOS) — a dynamic data visualization tool developed by NOAA that transforms Earth systems into immersive, spherical storytelling. Whether you're exploring ocean currents, atmospheric patterns, or tectonic shifts, SOS invites students to see science in motion and connect it to their own STEM identities. Learn more about Science On a Sphere

Let’s innovate, educate, and collaborate—together. So, grab your favorite cosmic mug (maybe one from our STEMrific collection) and prepare for lift-off!

Opening Reflection: What moves you?

Use this metaphor to anchor classroom culture around curiosity, change, and systems thinking. Invite students to create visual metaphors of motion — from swirling hurricanes to shifting tectonic plates — and connect them to personal growth.

Feature Spotlight: Science On a Sphere

From NOAA to Neighborhood: Global Data, Local Impact

Science On a Sphere (SOS), developed by NOAA, is a room-sized spherical display system that projects planetary data using synchronized projectors. With over 600 datasets — from ocean currents to solar activity — SOS transforms Earth system science into immersive storytelling.

Installed at 175+ sites worldwide, SOS is now a centerpiece at the Johnson STEM Activity Center in Atlanta. Students engage with real-time NASA and NOAA data to explore climate, sustainability, and planetary motion. As an advisory council member, I’ve witnessed firsthand how SOS turns abstract data into tangible wonder — especially for Title I schools and underrepresented learners.

Global Feature: Earth Systems in Motion

From El Niño to polar ice melt, SOS brings global phenomena into local classrooms. Use datasets like Sea Surface Temperature, Carbon Tracker, and Hurricane Paths to help students visualize interconnected systems.

Local Connection: Johnson STEM Activity Center

Science On a Sphere at JSAC:

  • Installed in their 21,000 sq ft facility in Atlanta

  • Uses real-time data from NASA satellites and NOAA to visualize meteorology, sustainability, oceanography, and planetary science

  • Serves K–12 students, educators, and the broader community

  • Offers guided tours and immersive STEM experiences including robotics, VR, and coding

  • Positioned as a community anchor for Title I schools and STEM career pathways

This makes JSAC the perfect local embodiment of the national SOS initiative — and your advisory role adds authentic voice and strategic depth.

NOAA’s Science On a Sphere

Developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, SOS uses real-time satellite data to project Earth systems onto a six-foot sphere. It’s used in museums, classrooms, and community centers across the country to visualize climate, oceans, and planetary science.

“The Sphere allows students to see Earth as a system — not just isolated facts. It’s a game-changer for climate literacy.”
— Teacher participant, NOAA Boulder SOS Workshop

Community Connection: Johnson STEM Activity Center

This month’s spotlight features the Johnson STEM Activity Center in Atlanta, GA — where SOS is being integrated into community-based STEM programming. Advisory Council Member Dr. Warren Edwards shares how this tool bridges global data with local learning.

5E Lesson: Visualizing Earth Systems with SOS Explorer®

Grade Band: 5–8
Standards: NGSS ESS2.A, ESS2.C, ETS1.B
Instructional Model: 5E (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate)

 What’s Inside the Guide (Download the Educator Guide)

  • 5E Lesson Plan: Visualizing Motion with Science On a Sphere

  • Student Worksheet + Exemplar Responses

  • Rubric for Systems Thinking & STEM Identity

  • Canva Template: Currents of Change

  • Educator Guide + Extension Activities

  • Career Connection: Remote Sensing Specialist

  • Reflection Rituals & Metaphor Prompts

Educator Strategy: Motion Mapping

Use Motion Mapping as a strategy to help students track change over time. Whether it’s tracking hurricanes, tectonic drift, or seasonal shifts, this strategy builds systems thinking and spatial reasoning.

Classroom Prompt

“How does motion shape our world? What patterns can we see when we visualize Earth systems?”

Encourage students to use SOS Explorer® or Google Earth to identify motion-based phenomena and create their own data stories.

Career Connection: Remote Sensing Specialist

STEM in Motion, Data in Action

Remote Sensing Specialists use satellite imagery, sensors, and geospatial technologies to analyze Earth systems — from climate change and deforestation to urban heat islands and ocean currents. They transform raw data into actionable insights for scientists, policymakers, and communities.

Classroom Prompt

“How do Remote Sensing Specialists help us understand Earth’s motion? What tools do they use, and what impact do they make?”

Closing Reflection

STEM isn’t static — it’s in motion. This month, let’s help students see themselves as part of the system: curious, connected, and capable of change.

Call to Action

Love what you’re reading? Subscribe, share, and follow STEMrific for more educator spotlights, downloadable toolkits, and classroom rituals that build STEM identity.

 

Where STEMrific Lives Online

Follow us across platforms and join the movement:

Join the #ThatisSTEMrific Movement

This month, we invite you to share your favorite space-themed classroom projects, setups, and stories about your students reaching for the stars!

  • Tag and follow me on social media on Instagram with @stemrific.

  • Use the hashtag #ThatisSTEMrific to connect with educators and innovators worldwide.

  • Your inspiring story may be featured in our next edition!

Final Notes

Thank you for joining us on this interstellar journey. Your passion for STEM continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible—both in the classroom and across the universe. If you’d like to contribute a guest article or share your classroom successes, simply reply to this email, and let’s work together to inspire the next generation of innovators!

Here’s to a bright future in STEM education, Dr. Warren Edwards, Creator of DocStemHub

 

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