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The Impact of a Place-Based Citizen Science Project on Students' Attitudes toward STEM

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Title: The Impact of a Place-Based Citizen Science Project on Students' Attitudes toward STEM
Language: English
Authors: Subhashni Taylor (ORCID 0000-0002-1624-0901), Melissa Brolese, Greg Burnett (ORCID 0000-0002-7267-8510), Neil Taylor
Source: Canadian Journal of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education. 2026 26(2).
Availability: Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 20
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Descriptors: Place Based Education, Citizen Participation, Science Education, Science Projects, Student Attitudes, STEM Education, Elementary School Students, Ecology, Environmental Education, Foreign Countries, Conservation (Environment), Student Participation, Scientific Attitudes, Science Interests
Geographic Terms: Australia
DOI: 10.1007/s42330-026-00455-8
ISSN: 1492-6156
1942-4051
Abstract: 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.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1506499
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
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  Data: The Impact of a Place-Based Citizen Science Project on Students' Attitudes toward STEM
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Subhashni+Taylor%22">Subhashni Taylor</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1624-0901">0000-0002-1624-0901</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Melissa+Brolese%22">Melissa Brolese</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Greg+Burnett%22">Greg Burnett</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7267-8510">0000-0002-7267-8510</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Neil+Taylor%22">Neil Taylor</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Canadian+Journal+of+Science%2C+Mathematics+and+Technology+Education%22"><i>Canadian Journal of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education</i></searchLink>. 2026 26(2).
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  Data: Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Australia%22">Australia</searchLink>
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  Data: 10.1007/s42330-026-00455-8
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  Data: 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.
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        Value: 10.1007/s42330-026-00455-8
    Languages:
      – Text: English
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        PageCount: 20
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Place Based Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Citizen Participation
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Science Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Science Projects
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      – SubjectFull: Student Attitudes
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: STEM Education
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      – SubjectFull: Elementary School Students
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      – SubjectFull: Ecology
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      – SubjectFull: Environmental Education
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      – SubjectFull: Foreign Countries
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      – SubjectFull: Conservation (Environment)
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      – SubjectFull: Student Participation
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      – SubjectFull: Scientific Attitudes
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      – SubjectFull: Australia
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      – TitleFull: The Impact of a Place-Based Citizen Science Project on Students' Attitudes toward STEM
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