26 Jun 2026
By Sarah Clement
Advancing science learning and community-relevant knowledge production- lessons from CAPS 2026 youth education sessions

Advancing science learning and community-relevant knowledge production- lessons from CAPS 2026 youth education sessions

Conference, Education,
Engaging youth in participatory science is a powerful approach for advancing both science learning and community-relevant knowledge production. By contributing to authentic data collection and analysis, students participate in the practices of science rather than merely learning about them. These experiences also enhance motivation and STEM identity development, particularly when students see their contributions informing real research or local decision-making. Because many citizen science projects are embedded in local contexts, they foster place-based learning and can deepen youths’ connections to their communities and environments. For teachers, participatory science offers a practical mechanism for integrating NGSS-aligned standards and practices into everyday…
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23 Jun 2020
By Reanna Putnam
Incorporate Citizen Science in Your Higher Ed Course

Incorporate Citizen Science in Your Higher Ed Course

Education, Resources, Webinars
Thinking about adding a citizen science component to your higher ed course? The following videos may help get you started. These events were designed to help you as you think about creating online or face-to-face learning experiences for undergraduates and offer tangible tips for incorporating citizen science into any curriculum. University faculty from a variety of disciplines share their wisdom and encouragement with anyone thinking of adding or expanding their use of citizen science in the classroom. See below for event descriptions and links to recordings and slides. Roundtable: Using Citizen Science in Higher Education View Recording View Slides Citizen…
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04 May 2020
By Reanna Putnam
Using Citizen Science in Higher Education

Using Citizen Science in Higher Education

Education, Webinars
CSA is hosting a series of events to support educators using citizen science in higher education. These events are designed to help you as you think about creating online or face-to-face learning experiences for undergraduates and connect you to a community of others doing the same. Each event is hosted by university faculty from around the country with experience using citizen science in a variety of disciplines. Register for these free events using the links below-connection details shared via email after registration. Details and presenter bios below. “Using Citizen Science in Higher Education” Roundtable – Mon, May 11 at 3pm…
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25 May 2019
By Reanna Putnam
Summer Webinar Series

Summer Webinar Series

Education, Ethics, Webinars
We are pleased to be hosting three engaging webinars in the month of June, two from organizational partners, and one from our Ethics Working Group. Webinars are one way that the CSA works to engage citizen science practitioners through the sharing of tools, tips, and reflections that highlight best practices and emerging issues in citizen science. These FREE Webinars are available to all - please register via the links below to confirm your place and receive access instructions. Details below. SciStarter Education: a New EdTech Platform for School Districts and Universities Register Here Monday June 10th, 2pm EST Reflecting on…
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11 Apr 2019
By Reanna Putnam
CitSci2019 Supports Teachers

CitSci2019 Supports Teachers

#CitSci2019, Conference, Education
Rachael Polmanteer and her students on a camera trapping expedition. Photo courtesy of R. Polmanteer. The education track of the conference explored citizen science both in K-12, classrooms, higher education, and out-of-school settings, with an emphasis on scientific inquiry and civic action. There were three talk sessions devoted to K-12 Classroom educators, each with 6-8 presentations on varying topics. There were dozens of hands-on workshops before and after the main conference program will take educators on a journey of experiential learning, inspiring them to guide their students in designing their own investigations. Attendees learned about cutting edge citizen science happening…
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01 Sep 2016
By Sarah Kirn

Learning* through Citizen Science: An Aspirational Vision and Ten Questions to Prompt Reflection on Practice

Education, Resources
CSA’s Education Working Group has taken on as its mission to enable, inspire, investigate, and facilitate effective integration of scientific and educational goals, practices, and outcomes in citizen science. We offer the Citizen Science Association community the following vision for what learning, and benefit to learners, is possible through participation in citizen science. Through participation in citizen science, people of all ages and backgrounds contribute to science while building passion for and understanding of scientific ways to investigate the natural world. One of the powerful things about the citizen science community is the great diversity of projects. This diversity is…
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26 Jul 2016
By Jennifer Shirk
Educators: citizen science training opportunities

Educators: citizen science training opportunities

Education
Citizen science has long been talked about in terms of education and learning. There are increasing opportunities for educators to gain skills and find resources for using citizen science with youth. Below are a few highlights of educator learning opportunities you can access online, peer-to-peer, and in person. Please add more training options - and requests - via the comment section!   Online: For training you can take to the beach, try one of these online series. Integrating Inquiry for Educators: Developing Student Science Practices. This self-paced, online course is designed to provide background and resources that help educators engage…
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24 Nov 2015
By slk2000
Learning through Citizen Science: An Aspirational Vision and our Call to Creativity

Learning through Citizen Science: An Aspirational Vision and our Call to Creativity

Education
by: the Education Working Group CSA’s Education Working Group has taken on as its mission to enable, inspire, investigate, and facilitate effective integration of scientific and educational goals, practices, and outcomes within citizen science. We offer the CSA community a vision for what learning, and benefit to learners, is possible through participation in citizen science (CS). By “learning,” we are explicitly referring to those experiences that are designed to transforms the learner through the expansion of ideas, interests, sense of self, skills, etc. This is our vision: Through increased participation in CS, people of all ages and backgrounds contribute to…
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15 Oct 2015
By slk2000
Learning through Citizen Science: Opportunities and Challenges in K-12 and Family Learning

Learning through Citizen Science: Opportunities and Challenges in K-12 and Family Learning

Education
A Blog Series for Citizen Science Educators and Coordinators by: the Education Working Group Through involvement in citizen science, people of all ages and backgrounds can contribute to science while building passion for and understanding of scientific ways to investigate the natural world. The issues facing humanity in the 21st century are diverse, complex, and demanding. Decisions are increasingly data-driven, from choosing your transportation vehicle to what to put in your mouth to which political candidate or referenda to support. Arguably, scientific literacy – the critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills necessary to science and many other pursuits –…
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29 Sep 2015
By slk2000
Learning through Citizen Science

Learning through Citizen Science

Education
A Blog Series for Citizen Science Educators and Coordinators by: the Education Working Group Photo courtesy of Mike Denniston, participant in the Gulf of Maine Research Institute’s Vital Signs program What can people learn through participating in citizen science? Of course not all citizen science needs to incorporate learning objectives for participants. But for projects that do have this goal, how can such learning best be supported? As the Education Working Group of the Citizen Science Association (CSA), we are launching this blog series to stimulate conversation and collaboration addressing these issues. Working together as a field, we hope to…
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