0:00 Introduction
1:41 Sarah Kirn and Heather Fischer reflect on the previous event addressing new technology in citizen science
7:31 Intro to panel
8:32 Jennifer Shirk's intro to this discussion on what people learn from their experiences volunteering in citizen science projects
10:25 Dr. Martin Storksdieck, introduction and comments
14:21 Dr. Tina Phillips, introduction and comments
19:48 Dr. Elizabeth MacDonald, introduction and comments
24:44 Discussion

One of the win-win aspects of citizen science is the opportunity to support public science learning. As people engage in the process of science, they learn – don’t they?

Learning can’t be taken for granted, especially when funders and partners want data that demonstrate participant outcomes. This panel invites in experts to talk about how to design for learning – starting with naming specific goals, and working through ideas to measure outcomes. We will also think through the roles that all project partners play in influencing learning opportunities.

The discussion among panelists covered topics from the nature of science, what participants might learn about the nature of science (in addition to the content and skills of science), the need to explicitly support learning if that learning is a priority, the challenges of characterizing learning by diverse individuals participating, the National Academies report “Designing for Learning,” and the growing body of research into all the kinds of learning that can and do happen among participants in participatory science projects.

Don’t miss this fascinating discussion among leading researchers and thinkers about learning in participatory science projects.