Citizen Science in the Classroom

As a high school science teacher, I am constantly looking for ways to connect my science classes (Biology, Earth science, environmental science) to real-world applications.  Personally, growing up, I was the kid asking "Why do we have to learn this?" and "Why does this matter?". Therefore, as a teacher, it has been my personal goal to improve real-world connections for my students.


Some of my bio students collecting data for the Global Water Sampling project.

Don't know where to start? Citizen science projects are a great way to incorporate real-world science experiences into the classroom.  Citizen science projects allow anyone to collect, submit, and analyze data along side scientists to investigate issues or solve a problem. What's more authentic than that?!

There are many great online resources and projects to incorporate into your classroom at any time during the year.  Here are a few of my favorite resources, all which have a variety of topics, timelines, and feasibility:

• The Citizen Science Alliance - they have their own projects, and the complete list of rotating citizen science projects in which you can participate are over at Zooniverse.
• Scientific American Citizen Science Collection - "Help Make Science Happen by Volunteering for a Real Research Project" - consistently updated with new projects for all levels and interests
• National Wildlife Federation - have 7 running Citizen Naturalist projects of their own
• SciStarter - wide variety of project topics, even allows you to narrow down by type of activity (online, in the car, while hiking, sports stadium, nighttime, beach, river, etc.) to meet all needs

These are only four of a plethora of great online citizen science resources, feel free to look up some of your own. Local and state governments, environmental groups, universities, and cooperative extensions often have their own citizen science opportunities.

No matter what topic you investigate, or what resources you use, citizen science opportunities are a great way to incorporate real-world science into your classroom, allowing students to practice crucial nature of science and analysis skills, while still meeting curriculum needs.