Encouraging Students to Participate in Scientific Research as Citizen Scientists
Ready to explore the exciting world of citizen science and its potential for enhancing school science education? From four inspiring teachers to a variety of case studies, we've got you covered!
Using citizen science projects to boost school science
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An educational research project backed by the Teaching & Learning Research Initiative aimed to discover effective ways of incorporating online citizen science projects in primary school science teaching. Four gifted primary teachers collaborated on the project, emphasizing the importance of purpose, planning, and preparation.
What's citizen science (CS) & online citizen science (OCS)?
Citizen science projects welcome ordinary people, including students, to join real-world science projects, often collecting data or helping researchers analyze and interpret it. In OCS projects, the tasks require the internet, allowing participants to contribute from various locations.
The individual case studies of each teacher offer a wealth of insights into their successful integration of OCS projects into primary school science units. From investigating litter as part of a sustainability unit to hunting for exoplanets in a unit about light, each project engaged students in scaffolded learning experiences and focused on developing specific science capabilities.
Purposeful engagement
Teachers are likely to use OCS projects to supplement existing science topics, adding a purposeful layer to student learning. An OCS project enables teachers to:
- focus on developing a particular science capability in a relevant context
- showcase the significance of science learning, as students contribute to actual science projects
- provide students with access to real, co-created datasets
- support students in understanding how science operates, including data collection, analysis, and reliability
- empower students to participate in creating and analyzing data that matters
Planning ahead
Effective integration of OCS projects depends on careful consideration of various aspects.
Choosing the right OCS project
Consider the following factors when selecting a project:
- Is it still active?
- What is required of participants?
- Is the website user-friendly?
- How does it fit with students' previous experiences?
- What support will students need to contribute?
- Which science capabilities for citizenship can it develop?
- How can it extend students' current capabilities and experiences?
- Can you communicate with the project scientists or learn about them and their work?
Managing devices
While each OCS project may require devices, the ideal number is not set in stone. An active discussion mode among students using a single screen often leads to more conversation and deliberation. Teachers may find addressing URL issues or using a tuakana-teina approach to be helpful when introducing OCS projects.
Preparing for success
A well-planned OCS project can make a significant difference in student learning. Consider some strategies to maximize impact.
Pre-unit activities
Before introducing the OCS project, teachers may want students to have a solid understanding of the science concepts or skills relevant to the project. For example, students may need to learn how light graphs are generated when identifying exoplanets.
Developing science capabilities
To achieve a meaningful impact on student development, focus on a few capabilities at a time and tailor conversations, activities, and questions to support them. Share the importance of these skills with students and celebrate strong examples to foster learning and understanding.
The benefits of online citizen science projects extend beyond the classroom, empowering primary students to contribute valuable data and gain real-world experience in the scientific process. By preparing thoughtfully and selecting the right projects, teachers can create engaging and enriching learning experiences for their students.
Science education and self-development can be enhanced through the use of online citizen science projects, as they offer opportunities for students to contribute to real-world science projects and develop specific science capabilities. By carefully choosing the right project, managing devices effectively, and preparing students beforehand, teachers can create purposeful learning experiences that engage students in scaffolded learning experiences and demonstrate the significance of science learning.
Learning about citizen science and its integration into primary school science units can foster a deeper understanding of the scientific process and empower students to participate in creating and analyzing data that matters. The case studies of gifted primary teachers collaborating on an educational research project offer valuable insights into successful implementation, demonstrating the potential for enhancing student learning through the use of online citizen science projects.
