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Citizen Science Projects

How to Make a Difference

Nick Taylor, Mel Woods, Andy Cobley, Laura Underwood, Gerid Hager, Dr Saskia Coulson, Inian Moorthy, Linda See, Dilek Fraisl, Margaret Gold, Joan Masó, Valantis Tsiakos, Uta Wehn, and Ester Prat

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is for anyone interested in citizen science and citizen observatories, and learning about how to design a citizen science project. You can use the hashtag #CitizenScienceMOOC to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

Understanding the issue or problem: exploring environmental issues and deciding on a research focus.
Creating a community: finding the people who are brought together by a shared concern and positively nurturing the sharing of ideas and experiences.
Deciding what data to collect: using the research question(s) to select what information will be gathered.
Capturing or generating the data: collecting the information, keeping motivated and engaged.
Analysing the data: interpreting the data, being able to spot trends and anomalies.
Disseminating results: using the findings from the data to communicate with others about the environmental concern.
Change-making / planning action: using the findings to lobby for change, or plan an intervention or action to inform others about the environmental concern.

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Reviews summary

Empowering citizen science for community impact

According to learners, this course offers a highly practical and inspiring guide to launching citizen science projects. Students praise its clear, step-by-step approach to topics like identifying environmental issues, collecting and analyzing data, and crucially, making a real difference. Many found the emphasis on creating and engaging a community particularly valuable. While exceptionally well-suited for beginners and hobbyists, some with prior scientific background felt the course could benefit from greater depth in advanced data analysis and dissemination strategies. Overall, it's considered an empowering foundation for those passionate about local change.

Highlights the vital role of community in successful citizen science initiatives.

"The focus on community engagement and data interpretation was especially valuable. The discussions were lively..."

"I particularly enjoyed the emphasis on 'creating a community' and building relationships, which is often overlooked."

"This course is a solid primer. It lays out the process clearly and emphasizes the importance of community."

Excellently suited for those new to citizen science or environmental activism.

"Absolutely brilliant! As a hobbyist interested in local conservation, this course gave me the perfect framework."

"It's a great course for beginners and those looking to apply their interest."

"I found it better for absolute beginners without prior research experience."

Provides clear, actionable steps for designing and executing citizen science projects.

"This course was incredibly inspiring and practical! I learned so much about how to actually plan and execute a citizen science project from scratch."

"The step-by-step approach to 'planning action' and 'change-making' was exactly what I needed."

"I loved the practical advice on 'deciding what data to collect' and the encouragement to actually start small projects."

Some specific topics could be expanded, and external links may need updating.

"I found the section on 'Disseminating results' a bit light – it felt like an overview rather than a deep dive..."

"My only minor critique is that some of the links to external resources were outdated..."

"There wasn't much about funding or long-term sustainability of projects, which would have been useful..."

May lack the detailed analysis or case studies expected by those with prior scientific background.

"I found it felt a bit too theoretical for me in parts, especially regarding data analysis. I was hoping for more hands-on examples..."

"Disappointed with the depth... I was looking for more advanced discussions or case studies on complex projects."

"It's too high-level for someone already familiar with research methodologies."

Career center

Learners who complete Citizen Science Projects: How to Make a Difference will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Citizen Science Projects: How to Make a Difference.

The Sixth Extinction

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This Pulitzer Prize-winning book examines the history of mass extinctions and provides a sobering look at the current extinction crisis. It highlights the urgency of taking action to protect biodiversity and preserve the fragile balance of life on Earth.

Citizen Science Projects

Topics Covered

Topics Covered

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Reviews summary

Empowering citizen science for community impact

Career center

Reading list

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