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. 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!
What is Citizen Science in the Classroom?
Kids Count: Young Citizen Scientists Learn Environmental Activism
http://www.edutopia.org/service-learning-citizen-scienceEngaging Students Through Citizen Science
http://www.kidsgardening.org/article/engaging-students-through-citizen-science
Citizen science: Real-world applications for science students
http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/7210
Scholastic News - Kids Press Corps: Fireflies Count!
http://www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3752450
Project citizen: promoting action-oriented citizen science in the classroom
http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-313798147.html
Scientific American: Citizen Science
http://www.scientificamerican.com/citizen-science/
Citizen Science Can Renew A Child’s Love of Nature
http://www.education.com/reference/article/citizen-science-childrens-love-nature/
Citizen Science Project Opportunities
Iowa OpportunitiesIowa Department of Natural Resources: Volunteer Wildlife Monitoring
http://www.iowadnr.gov/Environment/WildlifeStewardship/NonGameWildlife/VolunteerWildlifeSurveys.aspx
IOWATER
http://www.iowater.net/Default.htm
Iowa NatureMapping
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/naturemapping/
National Opportunities
Monarch Larva Monitoring Project
http://www.mlmp.org/
Firefly Watch
https://legacy.mos.org/fireflywatch/
BirdSleuth and eBird: Citizen Science in the Classroom
http://www.birdsleuth.org/
The Great Sunflower Project: The Backyard Bee Count – The world’s largest citizen science project focused on pollinator conservation
http://www.greatsunflower.org/
