Creating and Adapting Citizen Science Expereinces for Youth in Environmental Education Settings

Most citizen science engagement is geared toward long-term adult participation. To reach and engage youth audiences in citizen science at the appropriate development levels, special considerations are needed. In many cases... [ view full abstract ]

Most citizen science engagement is geared toward long-term adult participation. To reach and engage youth audiences in citizen science at the appropriate development levels, special considerations are needed. In many cases this includes creating supplemental materials to introduce and express the importance of participating in citizen science; teaching about the project subject; streamlining of methods; adaptating data collection tools; and supporting understanding of results and the larger context of citizen science efforts.

Through communication with citizen science project leaders, needs assessment, and curriculum development- these adaptations have been successfully implemented and applied to the environmental science programs at NatureBridge Golden Gate. NatureBridge is a residential environmental education facility with campuses in many National Parks. Serving over 10,000 diverse youth annually, the nearby Golden Gate campus empowers participants to explore and contribute to a variety of citizen science projects that benefit Bay Area and national data collection efforts.

Learn more about the perceived barriers to youth engagement in citizen science and the steps that can be taken to broaden the scope and to support inclusivity of all participants as the public's interest in citizen science rapidly grows.