3-5 March 2020 | South Florida Natural Resource Center Ecosystem Office | Homestead, Florida
Workshop Background: Citizen science is advancing research and learning across multidisciplinary fields. It can also be a valuable way to connect people to places and cultural heritage that are special to them, and to cultivate a sense of stewardship. In this practical, hands-on workshop for designing or refining citizen science project(s), participants learn from experts and one another how to apply principles of good citizen science design.
Course Objectives: Our goals are to deepen understanding of citizen science, broaden the community of people who consider themselves citizen science practitioners, and increase public engagement in science at national parks and other protected areas. Participants will create an actionable framework for citizen science project(s), gain citizen science project skills, and become part of a network of practitioners.
Topics included in the workshop:
• Defining project goals
• Ten principles of citizen science
• Identifying resources—what kind of help do you need and who can help? Will your project need buckets, GPS handhelds, cameras, masks and snorkels?
• Data management—how do we align data collection with goals, and volunteers?
• Volunteers—what are you asking volunteers to put in, what are they getting out, and how will you know if that’s what they really get out of your project?
• Pitching your citizen science project—every project needs a pitch, we’ll help you refine yours
Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is designed for resource managers, interpretation and education professionals, heritage stewards, and scientists with national, state, and local parks, tribes, towns, and nonprofit organizations. Teams of two to five people and individuals who have started to conduct, or want to conduct, citizen science projects are welcome to apply. Participants bring an ongoing or planned project, or build skills while helping others.
There is no cost for tuition, meals, or lodging. Participants are responsible only for transportation costs.
The workshop is limited to 25 participants, pending total funding. Teams of two to five people are encouraged to apply, but individuals are more than welcome! Applications for the workshops will be accepted on a rolling basis. Selected participants will be notified well prior to the workshop so that they can make any necessary travel plans.
For more information contact:
Hannah Webber, hwebber@schoodicinstitute.org, 207-412-8689
