Citizen science strengthens STEM education: a look back at Sparkling Science Spotlight

At the online event, researchers and teachers from three current Sparkling Science projects reported on their experiences.

In the ‘DigiPath Cancer Fight’ project, school pupils are actively involved in developing and testing algorithms for cancer diagnosis. The overall aim of the project is to generate enthusiasm for cancer research, teach technological skills and enable school pupils to make an active but critical contribution to the fight against cancer using digital pathology tools.

The ‘Laser4Snow’ project is working with school students to pursue a new approach to measuring snow density more accurately, quickly and in a more resource-efficient manner. Together with all those involved in the project, a new measurement method is being developed in which the melting and measuring laser beams are guided together.

In ‘Climate Agents’, students explore the effects of climate change using georeferenced data and AI-supported analyses in participatory formats. Through joint data collection, analysis and communication, participants are empowered to understand scientific methods and act as active ‘climate ambassadors’ in their communities.

The project coordinators and participating teachers highlighted the opportunities and possibilities that citizen science offers for STEM education.

The recording is available on YouTube.