citizen science- it’s not just for science teachers
TRANSCRIPT
What is Citizen Science?
Tell us what you think here:
http://padlet.com/jhumphries3/citizenscience
Citizen Science
According to the Oxford Dictionary:
The collection and analysis of data relating to the natural world by members of the general public, typically as part of a collaborative project with professional scientists.
Student Benefits from Participation✓ Contribute to
Authentic Research✓ Increase Engagement✓ Motivate Precision✓ Stimulate Interest in
STEM✓ Expand Wonder &
Curiosity
Educator Benefits from Participation
✓ Teaching Relevance✓ Broadening Personal
Impact✓ Lifelong Learning✓ Source of Inspiration
Scientist Benefits from Participation✓ Volume of Data is Increased✓ Source of Data is Broadened✓ Cost of Data Collection is
Decreased✓ Interest in Research is Elevated✓ Education about Research is
Expanded
How can YOU become a Citizen Scientist?
Essential Question:
Step 1: Practice by studying your natural surroundings, then find something that interests YOU!
Step 2: Find researchers participating in Citizen Science in your areas of interest.
Step 3: Learn about the tools of the trade and how to use them.
StudentsDiscover.orgCurrent Projects:
eMammal
Shark Teeth
Muddy Microbes
Ant Health Watch
eMammal
Local Researcher:Dr. Stephanie Schuttler
Current Focus:• State-wide Implementation
@ schools • Rural yards within 2 hrs of Raleigh
Camera Trapping at our Schools!
Alamance County Buncombe CountyDuplin County
Pender County
Disturbed
Disturbed
Black Bear
Contributing to NC Wildlife Resources Commission
A Broader PerspectiveContributing to the Smithsonian Institute’s repository of data, globally accessible by anyone interested in learning more about mammals.
Student quote: “It’s so cool that our pictures will be used by scientists for hundreds of years to come!”
Studying Mammals – the FantasyWhat mammals do you see?
The Real World of Mammal ResearchWhen you see the mammal – STAND UP!
Some History: George Shiras was a nature conservationist who advocated for camera “hunting” instead of gun hunting to study animals 100 years ago. He would set up cameras with exploding magnesium powder that would both temporarily blind the animals AND terrify them....leading to pictures like…
With advancements in technology we now get pictures like these!
eMammal Citizen Scientists…
• Setup camera traps• Record deployment data• Retrieve cameras and/or SIM cards with
photos• Identify animals on photos• Upload data to Smithsonian Institute’s
database
What’s the trigger?
Data collection/animal ID
sis
Species RichnessSpecies richness allows you to identify the species that are present in an area.
Muddy Microbes – Julia Stevens
-Collecting Samples-Prepping Samples-Plating Samples-Lab Methods-Guided Lab Report-Counting Colonies
Classroom Procedures
Alternative Methods-AccessibilityMaterials to create plates:
Purpose Professional Lab Option School Lab Option(s)
Sanitation Autoclave Pressure Cooker Microwave
Precipitate Separation
Centrifuge Salad Spinner
Anti-Fungal Prescription Strength Anti-fungal Tinactin – used to cure athlete’s foot
Anti-Bacterial Prescription Strength Anti-bacterial Neosporin
Nutrient Broth Nutrient BrothAgar PowderRose Bengal Agar
Soil Extract (boiled and filtered soil)Agar-Agar powder
Shark Teeth Fossils
Sediment Source: Aurora Quarry
Lessons available soon – 8th Grade
Math – Regression AnalysisScience – History through FossilsArt – Interdisciplinary Connections
Ant Health Watch
Dr. DeAnna Beasley
Want to Learn More?Students Discover Institute
When: June 23 – 24, 2016Where: NC Museum of Natural
SciencesRaleigh, NC
How: Apply online @https://sciencehouse.ncsu.edu/
or http://naturalsciences.org/
Follow us on Twitter
@hohmsclass
@mysmamatha@abcdbelair
@FancyScientist
@dkhumphries
Contact Information:[email protected]@[email protected][email protected]@gmail.com
Other Citizen Science Project Sources:SciStarter http://scistarter.comScience we can do together. Helps connect citizens and scientists via searchable project finder.
Journey Northhttp://www.learner.org/jnorth/Engages citizen scientists in a global study of wildlife migration and seasonal change. K-12 students share their own field observations with classmates across North America.
Scientific Americanhttp://www.scientificamerican.com/citizen-science/Help make science happen by volunteering for a real research project.
National Geographichttp://education.nationalgeographic.org/programs/community-geography/Find ideas on citizen science projects to jump into for yourself, your family, or your classroom.