NEOSEC- A regional approach to citizen science in New England

2014 marks the 5th year of federally funded collaborative citizen science effort in New England, spearheaded by the New England Ocean Science Education Collaborative (NEOSEC). Partner institutions from throughout the region... [ view full abstract ]

2014 marks the 5th year of federally funded collaborative citizen science effort in New England, spearheaded by the New England Ocean Science Education Collaborative (NEOSEC). Partner institutions from throughout the region joined together to engage youth (ages 9 – 14) attending summer camps, in citizen science data collection. With guidance from a project science advisor and scientists selected by each partner institution, campers used data collection protocols to gather data at coastal field sites throughout the region. During the presentation we will talk about the successes, realities and challenges of such a regional approach, including; establishing a community of practice, increasing capacity of scientists and educators, increasing ocean literacy among campers and supporting peer-peer exchange of information, particularly among the youth participants.