Engaging Students in Global Citizen Science: A U.S.-Japan collaborative watershed project

Abstract

Innovative education approaches include citizen science projects that allow students to participate in locally relevant scientific work, connecting content to the real world. Global collaboration provides students with a broader perspective on local issues, allowing students to become more globally aware.

Acknowledgments:

This project would not have been possible without the support of Dr. Walter Smith at Texas Tech University for providing some probes for students; the participation of teachers at Live Oak High School in Morgan Hill- Mike O'Neal; in Santa Clara Unified from Wilcox High School Steve Sanders, and Peterson Middle School Ildiko Stennis; Christian Academy in Japan- David Marshall, JuShin Kim, and Terrence VanDam.

Notes

¹ Cooper, C. B. (2016). Citizen science: How ordinary people are changing the face of discovery. New York, NY: The Overlook Press. p. 6.

² Marx, R. W., Blumenfeld, P. C., Krajcik, J. S., & Soloway, E. (1997). Enacting project-based science. The Elementary School Journal, 97(4), 341-358.

³ California Education and the Environment Initiative. (2018). California's environmental principles and concepts. Retrieved June 2018 from https://www.californiaeei.org/abouteei/epc/

⁴ Kim, H. B. (1999). Assessment and investigation of constructivist science learning environments in Korea. Research in Science & Technological Education, 17(2), 239-249; Krajcik, J. B. (1998). Inquiry in project-based science classrooms: Initial attempts by middle school students. The Journal of the Learning Sciences, 7(3-4), 313-350.

⁵ California State Board of Education. (2016). Science framework for California public schools, kindergarten through grade twelve. Retrieved June 2017 from https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/sc/cf/scifwprepubversion.asp; NGSS Lead States. (2013). Next generation science standards: For states, by states. Washington, DC: National Academies Press.

⁶ Martin, A. J., & Dowson, M. (2009). Interpersonal relationships, motivation, engagement, and achievement: Yields for theory, current Issues, and educational Practice. Review of Educational Research, 79(1), 327-365.