What is citizen science?Before Frank Chapman came along, there was no such thing as "citizen science," and the way most enthusiasts interacted with birds they liked to look at was to shoot them dead.But on Christmas Day in 1900, Chapman, an officer in the then-young Audubon Society, decided to organize his fellows for a bird count instead of the traditional hunt.He didn't know it then, but citizen science was born.
Citizen science asks countless individuals to contribute their observations of a particular thing — birds, frogs, flowers and, as you'll see, much more — to a central database, which trained scientists analyze. It infinitely extends the observational powers of trained scientists, allowing them to ask — and answer — questions about long-term and widespread changes in the environment that otherwise would be impossible to contemplate. Apps are how most citizen scientists report their findings.
For individuals, it's a chance to connect with the outside world in a real, meaningful — and often fun — way.Citizen science is a term coined to describe partnerships between trained volunteers and scientific researchers to answer real-world questions.
How can I get involved in citizen science projects?SciStarterprovides a database of more than 600 active, searchable projects, and is an excellent introduction to the subject! All you need to know is HERE.
Wikipedia lists some of the more popular Citizen Scientist Sites.
The idea behind these projects is that anyone, anywhere can participate in meaningful scientific research.Mobile applications for smartphones, tablets and other gadgets can turn just about anyone into a citizen scientist. App-equipped wireless devices give users worldwide the ability to act as remote sensors for all sorts of data as they go through their daily routines—whether it’s the Hudson River eel watch program or improve Martian maps for NASA Science.
How will citizen science affect the future of scientific research?Citizen science bridges gaps by harnessing the power of people who are motivated by curiosity,a desire to advance research, or a concern about environmental conditions in their communities, then connecting them to projects that benefit from their energy and dedication.
In the past, collecting large samples of data for research was the most challenging task of any initiative. Today’s kids use the Internet, texting, cell phones, all the youth-driven technology avenues, whichare especially perfect to assist with research. Such technologies are changing the face of citizen science, enabling students to enlist in projects through libraries, schools, (or on their own initiative) that have an impact. These mobile tools help students become a citizen scientist, whether they’re documenting ladybugs or fireflies or measuring the effects of light pollution.
COPPA and data collection: Organizations that run citizen science projects need to ascertain if they comply with COPPA guidelines. Check out the projects you promote to make sure they are age appropriate with the guidelines before offering to kids and their parents. Some need parents to sign off. Be aware! Your library does not have to be COPPA compliant unless you are running a project yourself, and this blog piece identifies who would need to be compliant and who would not.
Here’s some great information to be aware of if you want to start your own project: Keeping the Kids Involved: A Look at COPPA and Citizen Science By Lily Bui (Editor) (link below)
How to find projects to support at your library:A good place to start is 16 Summer Projects For Kids and Families. These are fun citizen science projects that teach kids about the environment while gathering data scientists actually use for research written by Dan Shapley. Fireflies, pigeons, monarchs, weather, mountains and more are described with the go-to information. (link below)
Ask your patrons what they are interested in, then look up online the topic with “citizen science”, and see if there are any opportunities!
AND FINALLY:It’s important to give feedback, "Kids merely doing the grunt work of coming up with data is not the point of citizen science," explains Karen Matsumoto, project coordinator of citizen science at the Seattle Aquarium(2). "The point is to engage them in inquiry-based learning and stewardship of the environment”.
If you are promoting citizen science projects through your programs, with kid participation, then post those results! It does make a difference, and lets kids know that they are making a contribution to science.
Sue Rokos, MohawkValley Library System
Resources:
SciStarter: Science We Can Do Together
NASA Science: Citizen Scientists
Keeping the Kids Involved: A Look at COPPA and Citizen Science By Lily Bui (Editor) Posted: January 7, 2014
16 Summer Projects for Kids and Families
Citizen Science
8 Apps that Turn Citizens into Scientists