Outdoor Explorations for Early Learners

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

February

Engaging Students through Citizen Science

Citizen science projects combine useful observation or data collection with an opportunity for students to learn more about scientific principles, problems, and processes as well as helping them better understand our environment and how to protect it.

Citizen science projects involve students in data collection, presentation, and involvement on a local, state, national, and even global level. Data collection can be wildlife watching, water testing, soil testing, plant monitoring, and many others. There are many citizen science projects that classrooms, and schools can choose to become involved in.

There are many projects out there - how do you choose? First, consider the age of the children in your class or program. Even young children (preschool age) can contribute to a citizen science project! Young children can help count birds and insects etc – as well as make other contributions. Just remember to match the age of the children to the skill level of the project. Follow the areas of interest of the children. Come up with several options and let them choose. Or ask them what they would like to contribute to and then find a project that matches.

Here are few things to consider:

· Is the project long or short term?

· Is the project local or national?

· Is there training required?

· What data is collected & how?

· How is the data collected presented to others?

· Are student materials and instructional resources available/provided?

· What types of tools and/or support are available?

Useful web sites to get you started on the path to citizen science!

Citizen Science in the Classroom:

Kids Count: Young Citizen Scientists Learn Environmental Activism

http://www.edutopia.org/service-learning-citizen-science