This report discusses the potential of citizen science to support science learning and identifies promising practices and programs that exemplify the promising practices. It also lays out a research agenda that can fill gaps in the current understanding of how citizen science can support science learning and enhance science education.

Many environmental educators strive to offer rich outdoor education experiences that help those we serve create lasting bonds to our planet - bonds that may result in ongoing stewardship of the environment, inspire career pathways involving conservation of nature, and more. If you are thinking about how to design citizen science experiences with science learning as an outcome, this report will help you think about which types of learning outcomes you may want to target, whether increasing motivation and interest in the environment, building science skills, or learning project-specific disciplinary content.

Go to Learning Through Citizen Science, a Report from the National Academies of Sciences

Citizen and community science is scientific research conducted, in whole or in part, by nonprofessional scientists. Citizen and community science is sometimes described as public participation in scientific research, participatory monitoring, or participatory action research. Its outcomes are often advancements in scientific research, as well as an increase in the public's understanding of science. Four common features of citizen and community science practice are: (a) anyone can participate, (b) participants use the same protocols so that data can be combined and is of high quality, (c) data can help real scientists come to real conclusions, and (d) a wide community of scientists and volunteers work together and share data to which the public, as well as scientists, have access. View more resources in the Citizen and Community Science PRO Picks collection >