Learning from Lake County: Engaging Youth in Authentic Citizen Science
Presenter: Rebecca Meyer, University of Minnesota Extension
Abstract: Under the right circumstances, youth in your community can play meaningful roles in identifying, monitoring and reporting through citizen science projects. They can also draw on these experiences to develop a lifelong science identity and practical skills. This presentation focuses on strategies developed in several University of Minnesota research and Extension projects, and utilized in the Lake County MN 4-H Water Watchers program. The 6-week summer program, targeting youth in grades 6 - 10, involved an effective partnership between a Conservation District AIS Coordinator and county 4-H staff. Activities focused on meaningful engagement in citizen science through following the University of Minnesota AIS Detectors approach to monitoring and reporting aquatic invasive species. It utilized specific strategies for intentionally creating an authentic and engaging learning environment for the youth involved, while getting outdoors to engage in hands-on learning, with guidance from a professional scientist. Through this program lens, the session will describe:
- Why involving youth in authentic citizen science matters,
- Important strategies for effectively engaging youth in authentic invasive species citizen science efforts, and
- Potential community partners who can help to initiate a similar program in your community.
Investing in these strategies will foster an effective learning environment which, in turn, will enable youth to better engage with the work of doing science.
Presenter Bio: Rebecca Meyer has more than 20 years of experience designing and delivering experiential programs for youth. Her programs have focused on environmental and science education in schools, non-formal settings, and nature areas. Rebecca focuses on design and development of educational programs, curricula, and other resources for use with youth and adults, including co-authorship of national curriculum, Driven to Discover: Citizen Science Facilitator Guides and Investigator Journals focused on Monarchs and Birds (2015). Additionally she co-wrote a revised national curriculum, the Exploring Your Environment series (2010), and is co-author of the Building Environmental Youth Leadership: A High School Service-learning Curriculum (2003).
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: Unintended Consequences of Community Science
Presenter: Christopher Smith, HerpMapper
Abstract: Community participation in science is continuing to grow in popularity and utility across disciplines. Tools used to collect, manage, analyze, and display citizen-generated data are rapidly changing. Ethical issues surrounding data sharing and use can arise depending on the nature and structure of specific projects. Open data for example has been used by poachers to decimate populations of imperiled species. A word of caution -- data for imperiled species need not be publicly displayed for unethical users to deduce sensitive locations. This presentation will discuss potential consequences of community science, in addition to discussing solutions and specific tools to improve data quality and safeguard against unintended negative consequences.
Presenter Bio: Chris is a professional wildlife biologist by day, with a bachelor's degree in wildlife management and a master's degree in conservation biology - both from the University of Minnesota. Chris is also certified by The Wildlife Society as a Certified Wildlife Biologist. His work generally focuses on amphibian, reptiles, and terrestrial invertebrate conservation and research at a variety of spatial scales. Chris is the Director of Public Affairs for HerpMapper.
Citizen Science for All: Learning to reach new audiences
Presenter: Amy Rager, University of Minnesota Extension
Abstract: Citizen science is often described as a room with many doors, high ceilings and wide windows, suggesting there is room for everyone to participate. But do citizen science participants truly represent the diversity of our broader communities? What would it take to engage a more diverse volunteer base? The University of Minnesota Extension piloted several initiatives to support accessibility, diversity and equity across several of our volunteer programs. Find out what we tried, how it went and what we learned. We made some incorrect assumptions so we’ll help you learn from our mistakes!
Presenter Bio: Amy Rager is State Program Director for the Minnesota Master Naturalist Program.