Authors: Andrew Collins, Krista Doersch, Laura Herszenhorn, Rebecca Johnson, Clea Matson, and Alison Young
California Academy of Sciences – CITIZEN SCIENCE TOOLKIT
https://www.calacademy.org/educators/citizen-science-toolkit
Create a timeline
Having a plan is key to be effective citizen scientists. Help your students think carefully about what is being asked of them and how they can best prepare to participate.
What steps are necessary to prepare for and carry out your citizen science project? In what order do those steps need to happen?
Create a rough timeline for the project. Consider:
- your planning time
- getting materials
- daylight savings time and school holidays
- your end date
Planning and Timeline (PDF)
This template is designed to help plan out the steps in getting ready for your citizen science project and for participating in the project. Students can assign jobs, create a timeline, and think critically about what they need to do to make the project a success.
Assign jobs
Having a specified job empowers students to take ownership of the citizen science project. What roles will need to be filled to make sure the project runs smoothly? Will students take turns doing each job, or become experts in one? Possible jobs could include:
- Supply gatherer(s)
- Supply checker(s)
- Primary data recorder(s)
- Environmental data recorder (temperature, wind speed, etc.)
- Supplementary data recorder (number of participants, time
participating, etc.)
- Project manager (someone to keep track of the steps and let
students know what to do next)
- Data checker(s)
- Data uploader(s)
- ………………………………………………………………………….
- ………………………………………………………………………….
- ………………………………………………………………………….
Gather tools
Have your students brainstorm what supplies they will need and what potential tools might make their participation easier. Will they need clipboards, identification guides, measuring tapes, etc.? Some resources may be supplied by the citizen science project, while others must be made or acquired.
Stay focused while outside (PDF)
Group management can be more difficult with the added distractions of nature. Careful planning and clear expectations help will make working outdoors easier, more productive and more fun.
Make a checklist
Checklists are a great way to organize resources and ensure nothing is forgotten. Most of the Citizen Science projects in which you will take part will provide checklists, planning tools, and equipment lists. It may be helpful for you to consider all of the scenarios that may apply to your situation.
Some of the sample lists are far more detailed than will be needed, others may be too simple, but all are good examples of thoughtful and thorough planning:
- Citizen Science Checklist Template (PDF)
- Simple checklist that focuses on supplies and notification (Source: The New Teacher Noggin)
- Detailed professional field planning list (Source: Dr. James A. Fox Department of Anthropology, Stanford University)
It’s important for instructors to prepare as well, especially if the citizen science project involves going off campus. Items might include:
- First aid kit
- Supplies
- Transportation
- Rules
- Buddy system
- Chaperones
- Notify your administrator
- ………………………………………
- ………………………………………
- ………………………………………
- ………………………………………
- ………………………………………
- ………………………………………
User Type
- Teacher/school
Resource type
- Step by step guides
Research Field
