Heidi L. Ballard|Colin Dixon|Emily Harris
Youth-focused citizen science: Examining the role of environmental science learning and agency for conservation
University of California, Davis|University of California, Davis|University of California, Davis
citizen science youth rapidly expanding little research addressed ways programs meet dual goals rigorous conservation science environmental science education examined case studies youthfocused community citizen science ccs analyzed learning processes outcomes stewardship activities youth well contributions site species management conservation outcomes examining two programs one coastal one water quality monitoring across multiple sites san francisco bay area ca outofschool settings qualitatively analyzed indepth observations pre postprogram interviews youth educators first examined evidence programs impacts conservation form contribution site species management found youth work informed regional resource management local habitat improvement second examined youth participants environmental science agency esa esa combines understanding environmental science inquiry practices also youths identification practices developing belief ecosystem something act found youth developed different aspects environmental science agency context identify three key ccs processes many youth developed esa ensuring rigorous data collection disseminating scientific findings authentic external audiences investigating complex socialecological systems findings suggest ccs programs youth support processes foster youth participation current conservation actions build capacity future conservation actions