Moving from Citizen Science to Community Science: Lessons from using GLOBE Observer, a Global Citizen Science Program, in Community-based Science to Meet Community Priorities
Abstract
The Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program is an international and science and education program in which participants collect environmental data in support of Earth system science. GLOBE Observer is the program's app designed to enable citizen scientists to participate in data collection of clouds, mosquito habitats, land cover, and tree height to complement NASA satellite-based data products. A primary driver behind GLOBE Observer had been to fill spatial and temporal data gaps through opportunistic observations submitted by a large and widespread volunteer base. However, in recent years, the app has become a data collection tool in partner communities to address issues of importance to that community. This presentation will examine three community-based partnerships—GO on a Trail with Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, a repeat photography project with Dixie National Forest, and GO Oklahoma with University of Oklahoma, Norman, and Southern Nazarene University, Oklahoma City, and local community partners (public library, science museum, county department of public health, and others)--to identify the elements needed to adapt GLOBE Observer to meet community needs. These common elements include a mechanism for requesting specific data collection to address a priority of interest to the community, the need for local partnerships for implementation and data collection, and support products such as training and community outreach material. The presentation will conclude with a description of how lessons learned from partnerships are being applied to using GLOBE Observer to meet community needs and becoming a more effective tool for community-based science.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2020
- Bibcode:
- 2020AGUFMSY042..05K
- Keywords:
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- 1630 Impacts of global change;
- GLOBAL CHANGE;
- 4327 Resilience;
- NATURAL HAZARDS;
- 4343 Preparedness and planning;
- NATURAL HAZARDS;
- 6309 Decision making under uncertainty;
- POLICY SCIENCES & PUBLIC ISSUES