Program Development & Evaluation

Jennifer Shirk and Rick BonneyDepartment of Program Development and Evaluation

Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Opportunities and Resources for Citizen Science at Science Centers

Program Development & Evaluation

citizenscience.org

Program Development & Evaluation

Association of Science-Technology CentersYale Project on Climate Change

Cornell Lab of OrnithologyDavid Heil & Associates

Program Development & Evaluation4

What is Citizen Science?

Project or activity in which the public collects data to help understand large-scale research

questions

Program Development & Evaluation

Boundary of Northern Range

1990

2005

2000

1995

Project FeederWatch:Range shifts; engaging critical thinking(Bonter et al. unpublished data; Trumbull et al 2000)

Program Development & Evaluation

Water Action Volunteer program:Social networks; environmental action(Overdevest et al. 2004)

Flickr photo, sierraclub

Flickr photo, 900hp

Program Development & Evaluation

Citizen Science Goals

• Increase scientific knowledgeGather meaningful data to answer large-scale research questions

• Increase conservation actionApply results to science-based conservation efforts

• Increase scientific literacy

Enable participants to experience the process of scientific investigation and develop problem-solving skills

Program Development & Evaluation

Program Development & Evaluation

SciencenterIthaca, New York

NestWatchCornell Lab of Ornithology

Program Development & Evaluation

Program Development & Evaluation

Challenge: interpreting evidence

Data have different meanings for observers and researchers

Program Development & Evaluation

Program Development & Evaluation

DEVISE: impacts of PPSRNSF Impact Category PPSR Subcategory

Knowledge, Awareness, understanding of

Science Content (Concepts) Science Process

Nature of science Scientific Careers

Engagement or interest in: Content (concepts) Scientific Careers Nature/environment

Scientific Community Project/activity Science Process

Skills Asking Questions Study Design Data Collection, Analysis Submission, Interpretation,

Evaluating Results Using Technology Writing

Attitudes Toward Science Enterprise Science Content/theories Project activities

Scientific Community Scientific Careers Nature/environment

Behaviors Lifestyle changes Community involvement Citizen action

Environmentally responsible behavior New engagement/ participation

Other Social capital Community capacity

Economic impacts Artistic Expression

NSF Impact Category PPSR Subcategory

Behaviors Lifestyle changes Community involvement Citizen action

Environmentally responsible behavior New engagement/ participation

Engagement or interest in: Content (concepts) Scientific Careers Nature/environment

Scientific Community Project/activity Science Process

Attitudes Toward Science Enterprise Science Content/theories Project activities

Scientific Community Scientific Careers Nature/environment

Knowledge, Awareness, understanding of

Science Content (Concepts) Science Process

Nature of science Scientific Careers

Skills Asking Questions Study Design Data Collection, Analysis Submission, Interpretation,

Evaluating Results Using Technology Writing

Other Social capital Community capacity

Economic impacts Artistic Expression

Program Development & Evaluation

New Frontiers?

Program Development & Evaluation

citizenscience.org