Engaging Learners in Authentic Science With Environmental Data

Graphical Abstract

Abstract

Citizen science has long been touted as a way to engage in-school and out-of-school learners in authentic science, but the opportunities have largely been limited to collecting data. FieldScope from BSCS Science Learning is changing that by offering tools to educators and learners that they can use to conduct their own studies and analyze the data they collect.

Keywords:

• Informal Education

Acknowledgments

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grants No. GEO-0627923 and DRL-1010749. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

The development of FieldScope has also been supported by the National Geographic Society. BSCS Science Learning acquired FieldScope from National Geographic in 2016 with the goal of expanding its use for citizen science and inquiry-based science learning.

Author Contributions

Daniel C. Edelson ([email protected]) is executive director of BSCS Science Learning in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Audrey Mohan ([email protected]) is science educator and assistant director at BSCS Science Learning in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Sean O’Connor ([email protected]) is program manager for citizen science at BSCS Science Learning in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Daniel C. Edelson

Daniel C. Edelson ([email protected]) is executive director of BSCS Science Learning in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Audrey Mohan

Audrey Mohan ([email protected]) is science educator and assistant director at BSCS Science Learning in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Sean O’Connor

Sean O’Connor ([email protected]) is program manager for citizen science at BSCS Science Learning in Colorado Springs, Colorado.