Abstract

Members of the public, in both formal and informal educational settings, participate in science research coordinated at Cornell, and in so doing learn about biology, ecology, and the process of science.

Issue

Science literacy, both in terms of content knowledge and understanding of science process, must be increased in both school children and the general public so that the public will be better informed supporters of and consumers of scientific research.

Response

We have developed a series of citizen science projects that engage the public in authentic scientific research. Participants receive instructions, background materials, and data forms. They also receive newsletters and online updates about project results, showing them how they have contributed to the scientific enterprise.

Impact

Thousands of participants have learned about bird biology, bird distributions, and the process by which scientific investigations are conducted as a result of participating in our projects in schools, homes, and community centers

Funding Sources

• Private (e.g., commodity groups, foundations, companies)
• Other Federal non-USDA (e.g., NSF, NIH, DOA, DOD)

Collaborators

• Cornell University Department of Education
• Cornell University Department of Communications
• Lawrence Hall of Science
• Exploratorium
• National Audubon Society
• Seavoss Research Associates
• Serrell Research Associates
• Dozens of smaller community organizations and science centers

Key Personnel

• N/A