The Impact of a Place-Based Citizen Science Project on Students’ Attitudes Toward STEM
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 15401640 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Subhashni Taylor (0000-0002-1624-0901, James Cook University, corresponding author), Melissa Brolese (Bay Institute), Greg Burnett (0000-0002-7267-8510, James Cook University), Neil Taylor (0000-0001-8438-319X, University of New England) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 26 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Publication date | 2026-02-11 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Canadian Journal of Science Mathematics and Technology Education (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1492-6156 • E-ISSN: 1942-4051 |
| Publisher | Springer Science+Business Media (PUBLISHER • DE) |
| DOI | 10.1007/s42330-026-00455-8 |
| OpenAlex | W7128588570 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 43 |
This research describes a place-based citizen science project (PBCSP) between primary school students and a science-based agency, Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA), working on eradication of an invasive ant species in Queensland, Australia. The school is in a low socio-economic area with many students speaking a language other than English (LOTE) and many who identify as First Nations Peoples. The aim was to assess the impact of the PBCSP on student participation in science through involvement in a “real-life” science project. A mixed-methods case study design provided a comprehensive analysis of the research problem. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected with the school as a single case. In the quantitative phase, a Likert survey and science test provided data on students’ attitudes and knowledge of science. Qualitative data included interviews with teachers, WTMA personnel, and students. These indicated students’ attitudes towards science had become more positive. Quantitative data revealed a statistically significant improvement in attitude towards science following participation. The project was mutually advantageous, raising the interest of primary school students in science while furthering the aims of WTMA through community participation. These findings are encouraging due to the often-reported correlation between students from low socio-economic backgrounds and poor learning outcomes
Citizen science · Likert scale · Multimethodology · Qualitative property · Qualitative research · Quantitative Research · Science communication · Science education · Test (biology · Conservation, Ecology, Wildlife Education · Indigenous and Place-Based Education · Species Distribution and Climate Change
Stability and volatility of STEM career interest in high school
Relationship Between Environmental Knowledge and Environmental Attitude of High School Students
Youth-focused citizen science
Student Attraction, Persistence and Retention in STEM Programs
A Model of Factors Contributing to STEM Learning and Career Orientation
Place-Based Environmental Civic Science
Shaping change locally
Of Microscopes and Meeting Places
Experiences and Perceptions of STEM Subjects, Careers, and Engagement in STEM Activities Among Middle School Students in the Maritime Provinces
Classroom-based citizen science
Spheres of influence
Articulating communities
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |