Citizen Science

Summary

The recent pace of technological development has led to a huge increase in the amount of data being recorded at modern facilities and observatories; which is often much more than scientists can deal with. This module looks at the rise of citizen science projects, which allow members of the public to assist in scientific research by looking at a wide variety of data-sets, from galaxy observations, to exoplanet surveys and comet hunting. We cover three projects in more detail: Galaxy Nurseries, Supernovae Sighting and Exoplanet Explorers. We investigate how citizen scientists have made a significant contribution to our understanding of the Universe, and how researchers will increasingly rely on their contribution.

Age Range

11 – 16

Duration

45 minutes

Module Composition

• Citizen Science – Presentation
• Galaxy Nurseries Demonstration- Practical Activity
• Supernova Sighting Demonstration – Practical Activity
• Exoplanet Explorers Demonstration – Practical Activity

Extension Activities

• Zooniverse – portal for hundreds of citizen science projects.
• Citizen Science Association – support group for those involved in citizen science.