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Project Descriptions

Enhancing Informal Learning Through Citizen Science

January 1, 2015 | Public Programs
Citizen involvement in science is part of a long history of the role of the amateur in science. Research in the USA and UK suggests that citizen science has a powerful potential to support participation in and the learning of science. Increasing research has sought to explore and measure the development of 'science literacy', science identity and learning outcomes through citizen science. The scale, focus, and organization of projects has been demonstrated to influence who participates in them, the scientific achievements, and what volunteers learn. This Science Learning+ project seeks to build upon and extend the existing work in three significant ways: (1) extend the range of contexts through which existing frameworks and instruments are used and evaluated, in particular, projects that involve families, (2) examine not only the learning outcomes of citizen science projects, but also the processes through which that learning occurs and its contribution to the building of science capital. This will help in establishing better understanding of not only what is learnt but also how learning occurs; (3) develop a better theory of informal science learning through citizen science. This will advance knowledge in informal science learning.

Funders

Wellcome Trust
Funding Program: SL+
Funding Amount: 69252

TEAM MEMBERS

  • Richard Edwards
    Principal Investigator
    University of Stirling
  • Katherine Mathieson
    Contributor
    British Science Association
  • 2014 04 25 Bonney Rick
    Contributor
    Cornell University
  • 2013 09 08 Me woods small
    Co-Principal Investigator
    Cornell University
  • Discipline: Education and learning science | General STEM | Literacy | Nature of science
    Audience: General Public | Museum/ISE Professionals
    Environment Type: Public Programs | Citizen Science Programs

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