Citizen Science, Belly Biology on the Beach

The ProgramSeattle Aquarium is bridging the gap between the need for public involvement in local schools and protection of nearshore habitats. This successful, on-going project empowers youth--our greatest hope and resource for the future health and survival of the Puget Sound ecosystem. The Aquarium organized a steering committee of local scientists, educators, and partners to discuss

goals and describe the common elements of success in citizen

science-driven programs.

For TeachersuProfessional development

workshop with clock hoursuTeacher training in

monitoring protocols and field investigations

uCurriculum for classroom and fielduTeacher stipends and substitute teacher

reimbursementuAlignment with State standards

For the ProjectuDevelop a team of local scientific advisorsuComprehensive training of student scientistsuQuality control/Quality assuranceuRigorous data analysis uProject sustainability through teacher training and

involvementuFinancial and resource commitment to a long-term

monitoring project (15 years) by the Aquarium and school partners

uOn-going program evaluationuNetworking to develop public awareness of project

What about the data?uHigh quality data is made available after each

monitoring session to County and State resource agencies, Washington State University Island County Beach Watchers, and others to inform a wide audience about local Puget Sound beaches.

American Honda FoundationThe Russell Family Foundation

Educational Legacy FundDiscuren FoundationRodman Foundation

Seattle Aquarium Society

What are the essential elements of a successful citizen science program?

For StudentsuCapture hearts and minds of student citizen scientistsuProvide clear scientific objectivesuFoster student ownership of the process and

accomplishmentsuEngage students in hands-on, meaningful field work

(“belly biology”)

uProvide students with results and public recognition

What Students LearnuField investigation methodologyuData collection – methodology, protocols, and data

interpretationuQuality control in conducting field investigationsuIdentification of marine flora and faunauTidesuBeach natural history uCommunicating/sharing their findings in a symposiumuStewardship and conservation of Puget Sound

Citizen Science

Beach Monitoring with High School Students in Puget Sound

Belly Biology on the Beach

Karen Matsumoto, Marine Science Education Coordinator, Seattle Aquarium

Mark Plunkett, Conservation Curator, Seattle Aquarium

Students learn field identification

Monitoring protocols are learned

Students present their findings at a symposium

Students are valued as scientists

Students are doing the work, and the data quality is high

Protocols are simple and repeatable

Students are enjoying science

Teachers engage in professional development