NASA citizen science, like NASA science, is focused on scientific discovery -- preferably breakthrough discoveries that lead to peer reviewed publications. How can you set the stage for your citizen scientists to generate or contribute to out-of-the-box ideas that take science in new directions? NASA’s own Citizen Science Officer will share the strategies that have made a difference in his projects.

This workshop will offer participants a choice of focal themes - pick the one most relevant to your needs. Get the most out of this workshop by preparing with the Data Practices Reflection Tool. Come just to listen or share.

What are the best practices for handling citizen science data sets? What practices help assure quality and appropriate downstream use? How do you best comply with new NASA data management plan requirements? What is open data? Learn from NASA and other experts how to tackle these and other data and metadata related questions.

Join with other citizen science leaders to reflect on the resources and strategies you currently use to engage and support volunteers. Get ideas for strategies you can implement tomorrow, and strategies you might build to over time. Get the most out of this workshop by preparing with the Volunteer Supports Reflection Tool. Come just to listen or share.

Speakers will share insights on strategies to give new volunteers the knowledge and skills they will need to be helpful to your project and concurrently motivate and deepen their participation. Speakers will address the interrelated challenges of developing skills, deepening understanding of science, and building comfort in the social practices of projects.

Join with other citizen science leaders to reflect on how your project website is serving your goals for engaging the participants you want in your project, and get ideas for small changes that might make a big difference. Get the most out of this workshop by preparing with the Website Reflection Tool. Come just to listen or share.

Whether your goal is to attract more project volunteers or to welcome a more diverse volunteer pool, how you present your project online can help or hinder. Hear inspiring stories from NASA project leaders who are working on these goals, and concrete suggestions on web communications from NASA’s own Citizen Science Communication Officer.