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Citizen Science Society

Ongoing educational club for aspiring scientists to participate in real Citizen Science projects across the world, all from the safety of your computer!
Joseph Constantine
Average rating:
4.5
Number of reviews:
(156)
Class

What's included

2 live meetings
1 hrs 50 mins in-class hours per week
Homework
4+ hours per week. For our activities to have a meaningful impact it is ideal that the students continue working on the projects outside of class for at least two weeks.

Class Experience

US Grade 7 - 10
In 2016, amateur aurora watchers working for the Citizen Science project Aurorasaurus discovered a brand new atmospheric phenomenon know known as "STEVE". And in 2020 amateur astronomers working with NASA's Sungrazers Citizen Science project discovered the 4, 000th comet orbiting our sun! These are only two examples of many exciting discoveries made by amateur scientists and students, made possible by the growing field of Citizen Science. What is Citizen Science, you ask? 

Citizen Science is a wonderful opportunity for young learners on a possible career track in science and technology to actively participate and learn science hands-on! As inventor Elon Musk once said, "teach to the problem, not to the tool". In this twice-weekly, ongoing educational club, students will be introduced to the concept of Citizen Science which is a growing field of opportunity for the wider public (children included) to participate in scientific research. Rapid advancements in computer and internet technologies over the past ten years have given rise to a plethora of opportunities and important websites, platforms, and initiatives in the growing field of citizen science.  

Students will learn the following:
1. a brief history of the field of citizen science; 
2. some of the most exciting and important discoveries made in recent years;
3. the best and most secure platforms/websites/organizations with which to work; and
4. how to locate suitable projects based on age, interests, and impact; 

In addition to the above learning goals, students will be expected to actively work on projects together, in class and outside of class time. Our collective teamwork in class will ensure students understand how the process works and will be able to continue working independently outside of class. 

Finally, we will also discuss how to use the experience gained in furtherance of educational networking, building a resume of extracurricular activities, and how to locate and apply for educational grants and scholarships.  


Due to the variability of projects offered at any time and the interests of particular students the projects that are chosen to focus on will be determined together as a class.

First Week of the Month: 
We will discuss the concept of Citizen Science including a definition, a brief history, and why it is important. We will also look at some of the most exciting discoveries of recent years 

Second Week of the Month: 
In our second week, we will create profiles on various Citizen Science SItes including Zooinverse, National Geographic, Aurorasauras, NASA, and many more. Once everyone is registered, as a group, we will choose from the available projects and work with this project for the next several weeks. 

Third Week of the Month:
We will continue our work from the previous weeks and study our progress and discuss our reactions to the work. This will allow us to better determine the best projects based on our individual class goals and interests. 

Fourth Week of the Month: 
In our final week of the month, we will attempt to finish our projects. We will also discuss our experience, and share what we have learned and discovered. This is also a great time for students to bring forth questions, suggestions, and any Citizen Science project they have discovered on their own that they wish to share with the rest of the group. 

The first week of the Second Month:
We will begin our second month as we did the first but focusing on different details, websites, and discoveries so that both new and old students will be engaged and interested. We will follow the same cycle as the previous month, but with shifting topics depending on what is available in the Citizen Science community.
Learning Goals
Students will strive to become active citizens scientists and participate in real projects headed by scientists seeking assistance from the public, especially students who have a desire to become professional scientists.
learning goal

Other Details

Supply List
Learners will require a laptop, and/or desktop that will allow them to access the platforms and participate in the projects.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
We will use several platforms/websites dedicated to citizen science such as Zooinverse, Citizen Science.gov, National Geographic, and Scistarter among many other wonderful platforms for conducting science with the assistance of the wider public, at large.
Joined October, 2019
4.5
156reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree from Ithaca College
I am an experienced educator with a bachelor's of science from Ithaca College. I'm currently working towards my Master's Degree in Education with over three years of study so far and my dissertation remaining. In addition to that work, as a graduate student, I consistently seek out workshops and webinars that provide additional certifications for educators. My experience as an educator includes teaching at both public and private schools as well as tutoring students in STEAM subjects including SAT/GRE/ACT/ & AP prep, I have experience and training in teaching individuals with both Learning Disabilities and Developmental Disabilities. I have also volunteered my time in my local community library by organizing workshops on STEAM topics for children.  

For over ten years now, in my personal time, I have been active in the Citizen Science community participating in projects when possible. In recent years, when the opportunity arises I try to incorporate the awareness of these projects in some of the STEM-based classes that I teach, but I want to bring a greater awareness of the possibilities of Citizen Science to as many students as possible. The great part of Citizen Science is that ALL are welcome to participate despite lacking any particular degree in science. Each project has detailed instructions and tutorials and for those willing to learn a great opportunity awaits!  I would be an excellent guide on the student's journey utilizing my previous experience of the process to help clear a path of learning for them. 

Reviews

Live Group Class
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$32

weekly ($16 per class)
2x per week
55 min

Completed by 7 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-17
2-18 learners per class

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