elementary school children conducted real-world research guided by credited scientists and teachers who gave them fundamental techniques to improve their data collection process

citizen science research in school-aged children

through immersing the children. in the scientific method early on, children can begin to understand the fundamentals of conducting research well in advance. this can guide their future career path of interest and make them more well-rounded for any STEM field.

increasing scientific knowledge in school-aged children

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.

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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

Heiss, Raffael, et al. “Citizen Science in Schools: Predictors and Outcomes of Participating in Voluntary Political Research.” SAGE Open, Oct. 2021, doi:10.1177/21582440211016428.

Citizen Science in Schools: Predictors and Outcomes of Participating in Voluntary Political Research

 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

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

School of Ants goes to college: integrating citizen science into the general education classroom increases engagement with science

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 

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