Kids Count: Young Citizen-Scientists Learn Environmental Activism by Evantheia Schibsted
The emerging trend of authentic and relevant learning activities has resulted in something more significant than even the teachers suspected it could be. Children's perception is younger and fresher than adults, and can often lead to a break through in scientific thinking and discovery. They can also be highly motivated when they know that their data is meaningful and relevant.
Citizen-Science is a term that emerged to describe partnerships between trained volunteers and scientific researches to answer real-world questions using research methodology and techniques to make a contribution to real world issues. The goal of citizen-science is to engage students in inquiry-based learning and stewardship of our planet.
How can I incorporate this teaching methodology into my classroom?
There exists so many resources and opportunities to provide students with real-world based learning activities that it would not be hard to spend a little time investigating web based initiatives, such as NestWatch which allows children to monitor, record, and observe birds and nests in nature.
How does this type of instruction breakdown barriers of scientific involvement for kids with limited access to resources?
Web based technology allows students with limited resources and access to the outdoors the chance to be introduced to scientific methodology in a very relevant and meaningful manner. Several of the initiatives offer free starter kits that include everything from posters to bilingual write-ups, and kid-oriented questionnaires.
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