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Symposium 15: The
bringing together of professional ecologists and educators with citizen science
Endorsed by the ESA Education Section
Wednesday, August 10, 1:30 PM - 5 PM, Meeting Room
517c, Level 5, Palais des congrès de Montréal
Organizers: Karen Yee
(yeeka@ucalgary.ca), Peter Marra
Description: Citizen
science is a unique and important way to conduct science because it imparts
several unique benefits not possible with traditional scientific methods.
Citizen science approaches offer a tremendous opportunity to ask important
ecological questions over vast spatial scales. In addition, such programs can
educate thousands of people about a diversity of flora and fauna, the
environment, and the importance of scientific research. Citizen science
participation is an important and growing trend involving a large research team
of professional scientists. The objectives of this symposium are: (1) to define
what citizen science is and understand its history; (2) to determine what
scientific questions to consider when developing a citizen science program; (3)
to examine professional development considerations for scientists to work
effectively with citizen groups; (4) to determine obstacles and other
considerations that need to be noted to better document, manage, utilize, and
quality control data; (5) to consider citizen science in decision making
policies; and (6) to identify mechanisms to develop partnerships among a
diversity of stakeholders when initiating citizen science programs. A case study
and panel discussion will synthesize the ideas from the symposium.
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