Beyond the Backyard: Global Citizen Science and Sustainability Education

Outline

During my poster session, I plan to engage with attendees through peer-to-peer interaction and a brief slide presentation that demonstrates examples of how citizen science global collaborations connected DoDEA students around the world to collaborate on sustainability and environmental issues affecting local and global environments, and to explore solutions. I will answer questions about any of the technology applications and student projects. I will have QR codes displayed, and on handouts, that will link to all of the session materials and takeaways. I intend it to be a free-flowing conversation but will be able to provide a 5-7 minute overview to larger groups using the slide presentation when necessary.

Supporting research

Citizen science, outdoor education, and global collaboration are research-based best practices that connect students with real-world learning opportunities outside, and other students around the world. Students can collaborate on learning goals in all subjects, with opportunities to share experiences in citizen science projects, hands-on learning, real-world problem solving, collaboration, and project-based learning. I am providing citations to multiple research papers and websites that support the importance of global collaboration, particularly in environmental and sustainability projects.

A. D. Owens & R. L. Hite (2022) Enhancing student communication competencies in STEM using virtual global collaboration project based learning, Research in Science & Technological Education, 40:1, 76-102, DOI: 10.1080/02635143.2020.1778663

Bickley, Mali, and Jim Carleton. "Students without Borders: Global Collaborative Learning Connects School to the Real World." Learning & Leading with Technology 37.3 (2009): 20-23.

Castek, Jill, and Bernadette Dwyer. "Think globally, act locally: Teaching climate change through digital inquiry." The Reading Teacher 71.6 (2018): 755-761.

Lindsay, Julie, and Vicki A. Davis. Flattening classrooms, engaging minds: Move to global collaboration one step at a time. Allyn & Bacon, 2013.

Lock, Jennifer V. "Designing learning to engage students in the global classroom." Technology, Pedagogy and Education 24.2 (2015): 137-153.

Shirra. “Citizen Science for Kids: Engaging with and Supporting Nature.” Get the Kids Outside - Helping Families Get Kids Active Outside, Back to Nature, 9 Mar. 2024, getthekidsoutside.com/citizen-science-for-kids/.