CITIZEN SCIENCE ACADEMY
Natural Resources/Aquaculture
Brooklyne Wassel
County Extension Agent
University of Georgia
Zebulon
Abstract
Many large-scale research problems are difficult for scientific teams to address due to funding, time, or other resource limitations. Citizen Science (CS) offers a solution by allowing the public, including those without formal research training, to voluntarily participate in data collection. One significant challenge for CS is the communication gap between researchers and participants regarding project availability and data collection needs. This gap makes it difficult for formal and informal educators seeking science, technology, engineering, and mathematics content or hands-on lessons, as well as science enthusiasts eager to contribute, to find opportunities for CS participation. University of Georgia Extension is well-positioned to bridge this gap by facilitating connections between researchers and the community to advance scientific discovery while meeting local needs. Citizen Science Academy, a comprehensive day-long course, was created by Pike and Spalding County Extension agents to introduce eager citizens to engaging projects. Program objectives were for participants to identify a variety of CS projects suitable for educational curriculum or personal interest, describe implementation of a chosen project, and create a regional network of passionate citizen scientists to help with scientific research. While the course was intended for teachers and homeschool educators, it welcomed educators and science enthusiasts of all kinds. The morning session of the program focused on introductions of local CS projects including Great Southeast Pollinator Census, Bluebird Monitoring, Georgia Adopt-A-Stream, and Invasive Species Reporting by guest presenters. In the afternoon, participants selected one CS project to learn more about, sparking engagement and individualization of the course to their interests and needs. The Academy has served 21 participants over 13 hours of programming. Eighty-nine (89%) of post-program participants reported they intended to participate in CS within six months. Follow-up surveys revealed that those participants did participate in CS Projects and the other 11 % of the participants also engaged with SC projects. There has been 100% participation in CS projects by program attendees since November 2023. One participant stated, “This workshop has given me excellent resources to take back to my classroom.” The program will continue to be offered annually to meet the ever-evolving need of CS.
Authors: Brooklyne Wassel
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Brooklyne Wassel County Extension Agent, University of Georgia , Georgia, 30295