Eighth grade science honor students serving as productive citizen scientists

Session: Poster session

Carrie Sanidas, Portage Township Schools, [email protected]
Laurie Littke, Portage Twp. Schools, [email protected]
Lindsey Schugars, Willowcreek Middle School, [email protected]

Abstract

Willowcreek eighth grade science honors students are participating in the NSF-funded project awarded to Valparaiso University, Microplastic AWARENESS Program: Amplifying Water-quality Analysis Research Experiences for Northwest Indiana Educators, Students and Society. The teachers and students are working as Citizen Scientists, collecting samples from the watershed and helping to determine the number of microfibers in the samples.  In addition, all students have visited the local watershed to collect data on air quality, water quality, plastic pollution, and macroinvertebrates. In the field, students categorize and quantify data, and learn how the results of this data reflect the health of the watershed.  Classroom activities include field preparation activities, macroinvertebrate research, and student data presentations. Additional aspects of the project include teachers’ participation in the research, and university staff and student visits/lessons in the classroom to educate kids about these topics.  Students are gaining knowledge of the local watershed and participating in research. They are more aware of water quality and the effects of their actions on both local and global environments.  They understand the role of science researchers and the opportunities available for careers in science while participating in authentic research experiences.

1. Keyword
citizen science

2. Keyword
education

3. Keyword
watersheds

4. Additional Keyword
university partnership