citizen science, belly biology on the beach
TRANSCRIPT
The ProgramSeattle Aquarium is bridging the gap between the need for public involvement in local schools and protection of nearshore habitats. This successful, on-going project empowers youth--our greatest hope and resource for the future health and survival of the Puget Sound ecosystem. The Aquarium organized a steering committee of local scientists, educators, and partners to discuss
goals and describe the common elements of success in citizen
science-driven programs.
For TeachersuProfessional development
workshop with clock hoursuTeacher training in
monitoring protocols and field investigations
uCurriculum for classroom and fielduTeacher stipends and substitute teacher
reimbursementuAlignment with State standards
For the ProjectuDevelop a team of local scientific advisorsuComprehensive training of student scientistsuQuality control/Quality assuranceuRigorous data analysis uProject sustainability through teacher training and
involvementuFinancial and resource commitment to a long-term
monitoring project (15 years) by the Aquarium and school partners
uOn-going program evaluationuNetworking to develop public awareness of project
What about the data?uHigh quality data is made available after each
monitoring session to County and State resource agencies, Washington State University Island County Beach Watchers, and others to inform a wide audience about local Puget Sound beaches.
American Honda FoundationThe Russell Family Foundation
Educational Legacy FundDiscuren FoundationRodman Foundation
Seattle Aquarium Society
What are the essential elements of a successful citizen science program?
For StudentsuCapture hearts and minds of student citizen scientistsuProvide clear scientific objectivesuFoster student ownership of the process and
accomplishmentsuEngage students in hands-on, meaningful field work
(“belly biology”)
uProvide students with results and public recognition
What Students LearnuField investigation methodologyuData collection – methodology, protocols, and data
interpretationuQuality control in conducting field investigationsuIdentification of marine flora and faunauTidesuBeach natural history uCommunicating/sharing their findings in a symposiumuStewardship and conservation of Puget Sound
Citizen Science
Beach Monitoring with High School Students in Puget Sound
Belly Biology on the Beach
Karen Matsumoto, Marine Science Education Coordinator, Seattle Aquarium
Mark Plunkett, Conservation Curator, Seattle Aquarium
Students learn field identification
Monitoring protocols are learned
Students present their findings at a symposium
Students are valued as scientists
Students are doing the work, and the data quality is high
Protocols are simple and repeatable
Students are enjoying science
Teachers engage in professional development