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Authentic science with citizen science and student‐driven science fair projects
Author(s) -
Koomen Michele Hollingsworth,
Rodriguez Elizabeth,
Hoffman Alissa,
Petersen Cindy,
Oberhauser Karen
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
science education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.209
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1098-237X
pISSN - 0036-8326
DOI - 10.1002/sce.21335
Subject(s) - science education , citizen science , next generation science standards , nature of science , focus group , science, technology, society and environment education , pedagogy , sociology , process (computing) , science communication , mathematics education , psychology , computer science , botany , anthropology , biology , operating system
This study reports on the process and development of middle school science fair projects inspired by a summer science program of citizen science monitoring (Monarch Larvae Monitoring Project) with their classroom teacher. We gathered and analyzed qualitative data (interviews, focus groups, and project boards). Our analysis revealed three key findings: (1) the process of developing and completing a student‐driven investigation for a science fair engages students in the scientific practices envisioned by the Next Generation Science Standards , (2) citizen science served as a springboard for the development of authentic participation in science, and (3) there are dual roles of a teacher as both mentor and master. Our findings have important implications for science education and student science fairs.