There are many creative ways to do citizen science activities at science centers. We build on a logic model framework to see how activities can build on the resources (inputs) you have available, and can achieve the learning outcomes you're aiming for. This is the fourth in a series of workshop slideshows about integrating citizen science into informal science education programming.

1. Citizen Science –at – Science Centers
Creative Activities
for
Learning Outcomes

2. http://www.flickr.com/photos/waiferx/3021862660/
Activities
Flickr photo, sierraclub
http://www.flickr.com/photos/projectdiscovery/8004429744/

3. So many
options!

4. Don’t forget,
activities should
build on
your inputs
and aim for
your outcomes!

5. IN
(puts)
Activities
OUT
(comes)

6. Be creative!
Think about…

7. Topics…

8. Biotech Natural history
Astronomy
Weather
Flickr photo, sierraclub
Water quality
(and many
Paleontology more!)

9. Venues…

10. Exhibits Teacher
training
flickr.com/photos/projectdiscovery/8004429744/
Camps
Festivals
Collections
After
school flickr.com/photos/treegrow/6284287617

11. Engagement…

12. Observing Social
networking
Specimen
collection
Curating
Hack/Make
Using
technology Solving puzzles
Gaming

13. But don’t forget:
it’s not just
what
volunteers do…

14. …outcomes
are related to
how
volunteers are
involved.

15. Degree of participation: Contributory Co-Created
Science
Define a question/issue
Gather information
Develop explanations
+ ≈
Design data collection methods
Society
Collect samples
Analyze samples
Analyze data
≈ +
Individuals
Interpret data/conclude
Disseminate conclusions
Discuss results/inquire further
≈ +
Bonney et al. 2009. CAISE Report.

16. Outcomes for: Contributory Co-Created
Science + ≈
Society ≈ +
Individuals ≈ +
(adapted from Shirk et al. 2012)

17. Could you…

18. Identify issues/questions?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/79516077@N06/7772305610/in/photostream

19. Analyze samples?
http://www.dmns.org/science/museum-scientists/nicole-garneau/the-genetics-lab

20. Analyze data?

21. Share results/ take action?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwssoutheast/4804351953/

22. And it’s not
either/or…

23. … it’s about bringing
meaning
to the
science.

24. Vast
possibilities!
The only limits?

25. Vast
possibilities!
The only limits?
1. Intended outcomes
2. Institutional resources (inputs)
and…

26. Vast
possibilities!
The only limits?
1. Intended outcomes
2. Institutional resources (inputs)
3. Your imagination!

27. Time to brainstorm!

28. Time to brainstorm!
What activities might meet the goals of your
science center?
What are the constraints?
What are the opportunities?
See Citizen Science Logic Model Worksheet

29. Looking for
options?
Get inspired at…
CitizenScience.org/ISIs

30. Photo credits:
Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Genetics Lab
Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Paleontology Certification Program
Chabot Space and Science Center, FernWatch
Museum of the Earth, Mastodon Matrix Project
CoCoRaHS, iNaturalist, PatientsLikeMe, Belly Button Biodiversity, GalaxyZoo, FoldIt, Great
Backyard Bird Count, NestWatch, CitizenSort, DIYBio, Saguaro National Park BioBlitz
On Flickr: WWViews, waiferex, projectdiscovery, sierraclub, usfwssoutheast
Resources:
Bonney, R., H. Ballard, R. Jordan, E. McCallie, T. Phillips, J. Shirk, and C. Wilderman. 2009. Public Participation in
Scientific Research: Defining the Field and Assessing Its Potential for Informal Science Education. A CAISE Inquiry
Group Report. Center for Advancement of Informal Science Education (CAISE), Washington, D.C. Online
Shirk, J. L., H. L. Ballard, C. C. Wilderman, T. Phillips, A. Wiggins, R. Jordan, E. McCallie, M. Minarchek, B. V.
Lewenstein, M. E. Krasny, and R. Bonney. 2012. Public participation in scientific research: A framework for
deliberate design. Ecol. Soc. Ecology and Society 17(2):29.http://www.ecologyandsociety.org/vol17/iss2/art29/
For more information:
CitizenScience.org
cscentral@cornell.edu