AV°ÍÊ¿

Engaging Non-Majors in Authentic Research through Citizen Science

Lead Staff:
Jim Hammerman
Project Staff:
Michael Cassidy

Summary

The project, led by researchers at the Adler Planetarium and University of Arizona, develops and tests citizen-science based labs for use in introductory undergraduate science courses (Astronomy, Geosciences, Biology) for non-science majors. Zooniverse.org-based investigations – e.g., Planet Hunters (exploring exo-planets around other stars) or Floating Forests (exploring the distribution of kelp forests with changing climate) – form the core of the labs which are being tested at a range of university types.

Research Activity

The project studies learning gains and attitudinal changes among students. AV°ÍÊ¿’s evaluation works with faculty to explore implementation, usability, and the potential for sustainability and spread.