Using Citizen Science to Actively Engage University First-Year Biology Students

Abstract

Citizen science offers a real-world opportunity for students to engage in the practice of science. We present a semester-long birdwatching project for first-year biology students with Project FeederWatch (PFW) that enables students to make meaningful contributions to a larger research project, while gaining valuable experience in data collection and analysis, hypothesis generation, and communication of results. The project consists of five components that students must complete, each with multiple sequenced assignments, with most assignments graded for satisfactory completion before progressing in the project. This mastery-based framework allows students to learn as they progress through the project, while providing a positive experience and building student confidence. Reflection responses show that students genuinely enjoy the project, gain valuable insights into experimental design and often express a desire to continue to birdwatch on their own. The project could also be adapted for upper-level biology courses with more experienced students or for high school courses with a focus on basic skills.