Science is happening all around us, even when we don’t realize it! In fact, many regular people just like you participate in science through citizen science projects. Some of these projects produce research, while others focus on application. All of these projects rely on volunteers like you to help.
For this assignment, you will choose a citizen science project to research and write about. It can be any biology-related project that is still active today. Once you’ve selected a project and it has been approved by the instructor, you will discuss what citizen science is, what your project is focused on, what volunteers in that project do, and why/how the project is helping the scientific and/or local community.
ALL PAPERS SHOULD:
Be between 1000 and 1500 words and have at least 2 reliable sources (the project website will count as 1 source.)
Discuss what citizen science is in general
Give a summary of the selected project, including why you selected this project
Discuss the role of the volunteer in the project (what does the volunteer do, how does the volunteer’s work help?)
Discuss how this project contributes to the scientific community and/or local community
OPTION 1: Research and write about a citizen science project
This option focuses on the research aspect of the project. In addition to the requirements above, students using this option should answer the following questions in their essay:
Who are the researchers in charge of the project? What is their expertise?
How can someone get involved with this particular project? (Is there any required training, equipment, etc?)