Open AccessUsing citizen science to bridge taxonomic discovery with education and outreach
Author(s) -
Konrat Matt,
Campbell Thomas,
Carter Ben,
Greif Matthew,
Bryson Mike,
Larraín Juan,
Trouille Laura,
Cohen Steve,
Gaus Eve,
Qazi Ayesha,
Ribbens Eric,
Livshultz Tatyana,
Walker Taylor J.,
Suwa Tomomi,
Peterson Taylor,
Rodriguez Yarency,
Vaughn Caitlin,
Yang Christina,
Aburahmeh Selma,
Carstensen Brian,
Lange Peter,
Delavoi Charlie,
Strauss Kalman,
Drag Justyna,
Aguero Blanka,
Snyder Chris,
Martinec Joann,
Smith Arfon
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
applications in plant sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 23
ISSN - 2168-0450
DOI - 10.1002/aps3.1023
Subject(s) - citizen science , outreach , biology , public engagement , leverage (statistics) , stewardship (theology) , crowdsourcing , biodiversity , data science , public relations , world wide web , political science , ecology , computer science , botany , machine learning , politics , law
Premise of the Study Biological collections are uniquely poised to inform the stewardship of life on Earth in a time of cataclysmic biodiversity loss. Efforts to fully leverage collections are impeded by a lack of trained taxonomists and a lack of interest and engagement by the public. We provide a model of a crowd‐sourced data collection project that produces quality taxonomic data sets and empowers citizen scientists through real contributions to science. Entitled MicroPlants, the project is a collaboration between taxonomists, citizen science experts, and teachers and students from universities and K–12. Methods We developed an online tool that allows citizen scientists to measure photographs of specimens of a hyper‐diverse group of liverworts from a biodiversity hotspot. Results Using the MicroPlants online tool, citizen scientists are generating high‐quality data, with preliminary analysis indicating non‐expert data can be comparable to expert data. Discussion More than 11,000 users from both the website and kiosk versions have contributed to the data set, which is demonstrably aiding taxonomists working toward establishing conservation priorities within this group. MicroPlants provides opportunities for public participation in authentic science research. The project's educational component helps move youth toward engaging in scientific thinking and has been adopted by several universities into curriculum for both biology and non‐biology majors.