Although participation in citizen science can improve cognitive and affective learning outcomes, many citizen science projects exhibit low retention rates. By gaining an understanding of forms of engagement, reasons for ongoing participation, and the impact of project design on participant motivation and engagement, we can help keep people…

Over the past few years, we have worked together in a citizen science project called "Diamonds on the Soles of our Feet" (see also Goldin et al. 2021, Goldin et al., 2023). In this project we engaged with 420 young learners in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. We came to see participating schools as collaborative ecosystems where…

This paper examines the use of social media as a collaborative and engagement tool for participants in a middle school science research project conducted over a three-year period. Sky Stories is a learning initiative that employs a blend of Indigenous and Western knowledge of astronomy to engage Year 5-8 middle school students in investigative…

This document provides suggestions for community volunteer opportunities that involve students in partnerships with service agencies, governments, recycling programs, and environmental organizations. It consists of ready-to-copy project ideas complete with case studies, a set of worksheets for planning a project, and an appendix with additional…

Presents a science activity that can be organized and made functional in a willing community to include an array of unique environmentally- oriented occupations and an abundance of natural resources. The activity will improve academic performance and attitudes of young students. (EB)

Describes a school project on energy conservation, in which fifth and sixth grade students involved the town community in becoming aware of the extent of the energy shortage and considering modes of cutting down on energy usage. Included are ideas for projects and science fairs. (CS)

Describes one school's efforts to collaborate with community businesses, technical schools, and universities, to provide increased educational opportunities through student projects at a time when funding for school science programs has diminished. (LZ)

Described is how a neglected pond was transformed into a useful study area through the efforts of local junior high school students and the community. A chronology of events in the restoration of the pond is included, along with the names of resource personnel and organizations. (MA)

Describes an interdisciplinary environmental program, instigated at the University of Wisconsin at Green Bay, that is designed to utilize the community as a learning resource and to stimulate university/community interaction. The Kewaunee River watershed project involves university and high school students, faculty, and the community. (JR)