In this end of year activity, you will contribute to an authentic research study that benefits humankind and/or our Earth’s environment. You may have the opportunity to interact with researchers who are solving problems and uncovering new knowledge. You will have the opportunity to select and work on a citizen science project in which you are truly interested. Through this experience, you will develop a greater appreciation and a better understanding of the nature of science and the practices employed in solving problems and uncovering new knowledge. Visit Zooinverse.org or SciStarter.com and spend time exploring these platforms for people-powered research. After thoroughly exploring the many options available, select ONE project to become involved in as a volunteer scientist. See instructor for approval of project. Spend at least FIVE hours of time participating in the project. Submit all of the following by the due date 1. Create and maintain an activity log documenting date, amount of time and brief description of activity accomplished on your citizen science project. Include at least five screenshots of the project in progress. 2. Write a report (500-600 words) with the following components a. Provide an introduction and background information about the project including the names of the researchers or organization spearheading the project. Use at least two reliable resources (in addition to the project’s website) in your report and cite the references in APA style. You should have a references section at the end of the paper. Also, you should have parenthetical references within the body of your report where you used an idea from one of your references. b. State the problem that is being investigated or the new knowledge that is being uncovered in the project c. Describe the method by which citizen scientists are helping to solve the problem or contributing to the study d. Describe how you specifically contributed to the project e. Discuss the expected outcomes of the project – what do the researchers and/or organization hope to accomplish and why? Suggestion: contact the lead researcher and initiate a conversation with him/her. You may be pleasantly surprised by your interaction with researchers who are passionate about their work. f. Identify and appropriately cite any primary scientific journal articles that have utilized data/outcomes of your citizen science project. Alternatively, discuss any significant outcomes that have already been identified and/or implemented as a result of this ongoing project. 3. Create an 8.5”x11”infographic to visually share your citizen science project. Try your hand at this site https://www.canva.com/templates/infographics/ 4. Share an effective, informative, engaging 2-3 minute video presentation that can be shared with instructor
