1. Introduction to the course

Collaboration using open-source technologies makes it possible to create new, powerful forms of community action, social learning and citizenship. Together we can shape our streets, neighbourhoods, cities and countries – and in turn, shape our future.

We are a group of health researchers and primary school teachers inspired by the empowerment of citizens using innovative methodologies. Our experiences have taught us a number of lessons that we can now share with you in the module “Citizen science in the classroom: A toolkit”. This module is a compilation of our collective knowledge, successes and failures. It offers you tools, methods and inspiration to start your own citizen science project integrated into school curricula.

Our work is informed by a shift towards participatory approaches to science, teaching, policy and health. However, there is a significant barrier to adopting this way of working, as there is little practical information or guidance on how to do it. Participation in science is complex, and it can be helpful to explain a number of techniques and tools that can help the educational community to deliver impactful, participatory projects.

This approach meets the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development promoted by the United Nations, particularly Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, and SDG 4, ensure inclusive and equitable quality education. We introduce a set of values and guiding principles that we believe can help inform and guide any meaningful community action.

This work is only possible because it is supported by the education community of La Maquinista primary school, the University of Barcelona and the Consortium of Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP).

We are a group of teachers and researchers inspired by the empowerment of citizens. Our experiences have taught us a number of lessons we can now share through the proposed e-learning module. We worked together on the COMPASS project at La Maquinista school.

Members of the working group (in alphabetical order) 

Maria José Aparicio – Director of Studies

Núria Codern – Researcher

Anna Comas – Former Headteacher

Jorge L. Díaz – Researcher

María Grau – Principal Researcher

Maria José Harto – Former Director of Studies

Raul Martínez – Headteacher

1.     New methodologies for a changing world

How to use project-based learning methodology to scope and build a school community with a shared understanding of the issue of interest.

2.     Project-based learning and citizen science: challenges and opportunities

A review of the complementarity between citizen science methodology and project-based learning that makes it possible to design and plan science projects in the classroom.

3.     Let’s take action

A description of the process of data collection, analysis and interpretation of the information gathered in this context.

4.     Project sustainability

Evaluation to identify the strengths and weaknesses, and legacy creation for lasting impact.

5.     COMPASS project: A case study

A review of insights from this citizen science project to evaluate the usability of a mobile health intervention in La Maquinista primary school.

• Recognize the key stages of a citizen science project and the required adaptation to the circumstances of a primary or secondary school.
• Understand and learn how to build community before planning a citizen science project.
• Plan the systematic procedure of data collection and the process of analysis and interpretation of information gathered in the classroom context.
• Highlight the evaluation of citizen science projects on completion, as a tool to improve processes and outcomes.

Quiz at the end of the module with ten questions and one valid answer out of four.