financial costs in this project were eliminated by implementing the citizen science into the school curriculum and using equipment that was on the school site 

New York University

Studies have shown that there have been positive educational outcomes because of youth participation in citizen science. As a result, educators want to promote citizen science projects in the educational system. This study took place in an Austrian school where students participated in projects that dissected what kinds of political topics young people encounter in their everyday lives. 

Citizen Science in Schools

Saunders, M. S., et al. (2018). Citizen science in schools: Engaging students in research on urban habitat for pollinators. Austral Ecology: A journal of ecology in the Southern Hemisphere, 43, 635-642. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12608

Citizen science in schools: Engaging students in research on urban habitat for pollinators

 This study explored the predictors and outcomes of youth participation in citizen science. Past research has found a link between young people’s scientific attitudes and their scientific engagement. Three critical aspects of attitudes are interest, efficiency, and motivation.

Predictors of Participating in Voluntary Political Research

Participation in the project increased political efficacy but not scientific efficacy. This might be due to the fact that students only contributed to the data collection, which is only a small sect of the scientific process. 

Efficacy and Participation

Students who participated developed a higher interest in science and politics. Interest is a key antecedent of learning motivation and thus is an essential factor for future scientific participation.

Interest and Participation

Citizen science is a critical approach for encouraging scientific enthusiasm in schools. To increase the likelihood of participation, the topics students engage with should align with their interests. Additionally, involving the entire class can help motivate students who initially have low scientific involvement.

Implementing Citizen Science in Schools

Vitone, T., Stofer, K. A., Steininger, M. S., Hulcr, J., Dunn, R., & Lucky, A. (2016). School of Ants goes to college: integrating citizen science into the general education classroom increases engagement with science. Journal of Science Communication, 15(1), 1-24. https://doi.org/10.22323/2.15010203

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