Inquiry-Based Instruction: Research emphasizes the importance of inquiry as a key pedagogical strategy in science education. It is a cornerstone in the process of learning both science content and the nature of science. The TCP will model inquiry techniques so trainers will be able to 1) understand the effectiveness of this type of instruction in the process of learning for all audiences - especially the K -12 student, and 2) implement inquiry-based workshops of their own.

Standards Alignment: National and state science, geography, mathematics and educational technology standards will be aligned to all aspects of the TCP. The inclusion of these standards is a necessary and important addition for smooth integration and support of the GLOBE program within K-12 education in the United States. Standards alignment is an important step in recognizing the K-12 classroom requirements and in retaining K-12 schools in the GLOBE program.

Earth as a System: The basic protocol areas used in GLOBE (atmosphere, hydrology, soil, land cover/biology, gps, and Earth as a system) were chosen by Earth scientists in order to be able to understand the way the Earth functions as a world-wide system. Energy (in the form of light and heat), and matter (in the form of water, nutrients, minerals, and living and dead organic materials) move between and through each of these protocol areas. The form that matter and energy takes changes as they become a part of each component of the system and are transferred to the others. Also, each protocol area is in complete connection with the others, influencing and providing feedback so that when there is a change in one part of the system, the other parts are modified as well. Throughout the TCP, the protocols will be addressed in an Earth System Science context.