Elena Ritschard (EDUCULT) from the Sparkling Science project "Colonialism today! What does this have to do with me?" and Hans Karl Peterlini (University of Klagenfurt) from "Transform4School" presented their projects and lessons learned in the webinar. The close collaboration between different project participants from universities, schools and other partners in citizen science projects can always lead to friction. What knowledge and resources can be drawn on in this case?
Lessons learned
Both speakers emphasized that it is important to address tensions directly and that dealing constructively with contentious issues can be a learning experience for everyone involved.
Elena Ritschard reported that the pupils who were active as Citizen Scientists in the project she led on the topic of colonialism sometimes had problems being taken seriously in the museum when doing their work. In such situations, the project staff took on a mediating role. The research topic also encouraged a conscious examination of racism and discriminatory language in the project. The pupils were just as involved in developing a strategy as the adults involved in the project.
Hans Karl Peterlini focused in particular on the experiences with teachers and school administrators. Although a citizen science project is a desirable way of expanding and supplementing school lessons, it nevertheless disrupts the usual processes and challenges established hierarchies. The resulting questions should be clarified openly, as this serves not least to build trust between all those involved.
More information from the projects, lessons learned and tips can be found in the recording. The event language was German.
