by Darlene Cavalier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The coolest thing about the idea of citizen science is that you don't need a fancy degree or PhD in order to provide value to the overall contribution of science. With many of the major scientific discoveries these days relating to the natural world around us there is no reason to go much farther than your own backyard (no matter where in the world you live) in order to help contribute to worldwide scientific findings.
The Field Guide to Citizen Science is beautifully put together. With consistent page layouts and short, easy to understand instructions (along with reasons why the research proposed is important) this daypack sized soft cover book is a lovely gift or addition to any child's library. Using a green and yellow duotone colour scheme it feels more like you are reading a children's textbook than instructions on important, worldwide research.
Additionally at the back is a calendar suggesting which activities to review for each time of the year. It appears to be based on the North American seasonal timeline. This would help a teacher, parent or caretaker find appropriate activities for kids without reading the entire book.
As someone who has helped contribute to Zooniverse, the Gutenburg project, and more; I'm a large advocate of getting kids and adults involved in 'casual science'. Otherwise known as hobby science. Your average telescope buff or astronomer is a hobby scientist. They have the ability to make important breakthroughs; although it's far more likely you will contribute to a larger breakthrough by one of those PhD folks.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The coolest thing about the idea of citizen science is that you don't need a fancy degree or PhD in order to provide value to the overall contribution of science. With many of the major scientific discoveries these days relating to the natural world around us there is no reason to go much farther than your own backyard (no matter where in the world you live) in order to help contribute to worldwide scientific findings.
The Field Guide to Citizen Science is beautifully put together. With consistent page layouts and short, easy to understand instructions (along with reasons why the research proposed is important) this daypack sized soft cover book is a lovely gift or addition to any child's library. Using a green and yellow duotone colour scheme it feels more like you are reading a children's textbook than instructions on important, worldwide research.
Additionally at the back is a calendar suggesting which activities to review for each time of the year. It appears to be based on the North American seasonal timeline. This would help a teacher, parent or caretaker find appropriate activities for kids without reading the entire book.
As someone who has helped contribute to Zooniverse, the Gutenburg project, and more; I'm a large advocate of getting kids and adults involved in 'casual science'. Otherwise known as hobby science. Your average telescope buff or astronomer is a hobby scientist. They have the ability to make important breakthroughs; although it's far more likely you will contribute to a larger breakthrough by one of those PhD folks.
A great manual to realize the power of working together in science, and that sharing knowledge is always the best for humankind.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
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1 comment:
Oh, that's cool! I think I would have loved this as a kid.
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