Teachers from all grade levels gained exciting insights into how Citizen Science projects can enrich their teaching and inspire students to engage with science and research. The training was designed by the working group “Citizen Science in/with Schools” and hosted by the University College of Teacher Education in Vienna (PH Wien).
Spotlight on Citizen Science
The session began with an interactive exploration of the Citizen Science concept. Participants discussed what defines Citizen Science and examined the various ways people can get involved – from contributing data to leading independent research efforts. The focus was on the benefits for education: students enhance their skills, experience science in action, and develop critical thinking and a sense of responsibility through hands-on participation in research projects.
Inspiration Through Best Practices
A highlight of the event was hearing from experienced teachers who have successfully integrated Citizen Science into their classrooms. Gudrun Heinzelreiter-Wallner shared how her class participated in the Hummel Mapping project as part of the Citizen Science Award. The chance to contribute to real research and achieve recognition through the competition proved highly motivating for her students. Zselyke Jakubinyi described her experience with various projects across multiple classes, tailoring participation to meet the interests and strengths of different student groups.
Projects for the Classroom
The event also featured a presentation of Citizen Science projects specifically suited for schools. These included the linguistic project “ABC of Dialects,” the environmental initiative “Nature’s Calendar,” and “YOUhealTH,” a health-focused, interdisciplinary program. In breakout sessions, participants worked with project representatives to brainstorm ways to integrate these projects into their teaching.
The session concluded with an overview of OeAD programs, which offer teachers practical materials and support for implementing Citizen Science projects in schools. These resources make it easier for educators to plan the next steps and successfully involve their students in research activities.
The training will be offered again in the winter semester of 2025/2026 by PH Wien, providing even more teachers with the opportunity to engage with Citizen Science.
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