Citizen science through schools: the importance of interpersonal relationships

Ilídio André Costa; Carla Morais; Mário João Monteiro

doi:10.7764/cdi.52.39405

Authors

Ilídio André Costa Universidade do Porto
Carla Morais Universidade do Porto
Mário João Monteiro Universidade do Porto

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7764/cdi.52.39405

Keywords:

citizen science, public engagement with science and technology, science communication, science education, astronomy

Abstract

The CoAstro: @n Astronomy Condo citizen science project engages, in a mediated process, teachers, astronomers, and science communicators in research and science communication/science education practices. In CoAstro, scientific research objectives were aligned with science communication/science education objectives to engage public with low astronomy awareness. One of CoAstro ´s goals was to understand the effects of the relationships established among the participants, because these are key aspects for engagement. We conducted a case study following the participants during an academic year and collected data through interviews and participant observations. A focus group meeting followed those data collection techniques. The results show the personal benefits of established relationships, institutional effects, changes in the perceived identity roles, and the ability to understand and engage in astronomy research and astronomy communication/education. Understanding social interactions contributes to increase the scope of citizen science projects' and demonstrates its relevance to engaging scientists, science communicators, and school communities, pointing to a path for community empowerment and engagement with science; i.e., a path to unveil a citizen science that moves from mere citizenship to personal comprehensive development: attitudes but also, knowledge.

Author Biographies

Ilídio André Costa, Universidade do Porto

He has a degree in Biology-Geology (teaching), a Master in Astronomy Teaching and a Ph.D. in Teaching and Dissemination of Sciences. He is a middle and high school teacher, in recent years deployed to Porto Planetarium - Ciência Viva Center. Furthermore, he is an author of textbooks on Natural Sciences and teacher trainer. More recently, a researcher at the Instituto de Astrofísica e Ciências do Espaço – Universidade do Porto. His research areas of interest are citizen science, science education and communication.

Carla Morais, Universidade do Porto

She is an Assistant Professor at Faculty of Science of the University of Porto. She is a member of the Centre for Research in Chemistry at the University of Porto (RG5: Education, Science Communication, and Society). Her areas of interest include professional development and pedagogic practices for Physics and Chemistry teachers; dissemination models and processes for scientific knowledge and the involvement and participation of citizens in Science; technological and digital ecologies in Science Education and Communication.

Mário João Monteiro, Universidade do Porto

Associate Professor and the Director of the Physics and Astronomy Department of the University of Porto. The research areas of interest are centered in Stellar Physics, namely on the physics of stars and how it impacts the structure and evolution of stars of different mass and age, including our own Sun. The research activity is developed at the Instituto de Astrofísica e Ciências do Espaço, where he integrates the team on “Origin and Evolution of Stars and Planets".

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