Below is an exploratory list of needs for embedding citizen science into schools that was developed during an ECSA workshop. Your input is welcome.
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(ECSA - list of needs for embedding CS in schools - edit 1)
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Curriculum:
CS should be directly tied to the curriculum
Assessment tools for teachers
Resources (time, money, support):
Need the resources to do it
Teachers shouldn’t have to invent the wheel each time. Learn from others.
Need teaching resources that can be modified. Templates that can be modified.
Examples of tools
Support from administration:
There should be a school philosophy to recognize the specialness of teaching CS and in taking the training to do it as professional development.
Flexibility at higher levels (admin, education boards, curriculum developers)
Should be linked to school policy
CS projects should be rewarded and recognized from above (administration)
Science conferences
Diverse activities:
It should support a range of activities
E.g. “Write your own play”
Scaffolding:
There need to be levels of advancement within CS projects or from project to project
Teacher training:
Teachers should get hands-on interactive training
Provide fresh ideas for teachers
Teachers like to try something new each year
Teachers need extreme time efficiency
Professional development opportunities in CS
Teacher support:
Connect with other teachers who are also doing CS
Connections to researchers
Network of professional scientists who support school projects.
How-to videos
Continuity--will the project continue?
Community:
Space to present results publicly
Feedback--support from scientists and other teachers
Opportunities for parents to get involved
Bridges to museums
Bridge to organizations related to project
Networking
Data Management:
Infrastructure for data needs to be created
Examples from outside CS:
Look for good examples in coding for kids, including
Share Projects With Parents, Other Schools, Science, Public:
Elegant shared website for school projects (e.g. SpaceHack)
Post successes, failures, feedback, recommendations
Share lesson plans
Resource clearinghouse for teachers
YouTube channel
Curriculum support:
Provide connections to:
Textbook publishers
Curriculum developers
School boards
Support with creating lesson plans
Technology support:
Tech support from experts, both paid and unpaid
Online help with apps
How-to tips for technology
Connections to paid consultants
Connections to volunteer consultants (e.g. retired teachers)
Support with promoting citizen science in school:
Research on the effectiveness of CS in schools
Standardized evaluation forms
Professional Development:
ECSA - list of needs for embedding CS in schools (edit 1)
Curriculum:
CS should be directly tied to the curriculum
Assessment tools for teachers
Resources (time, money, support):
Need the resources to do it
Teachers shouldn’t have to invent the wheel each time. Learn from others.
Need teaching resources that can be modified. Templates that can be modified.
Examples of tools
Support from admin:
There should be a school philosophy to recognize the specialness of teaching CS and in taking the training to do it as professional development.
Flexibility at higher levels (admin, education boards, curriculum developers)
Should be linked to school policy
CS projects should be rewarded and recognized from above (administration)
Science conferences
Diverse activities:
It should support a range of activities
E.g. “Write your own play”
Scaffolding:
There need to be levels of advancement within CS projects or from project to project
Teacher training:
Teachers should get hands-on interactive training
Provide fresh ideas for teachers
Teachers like to try something new each year
Teachers need extreme time efficiency
Professional development opportunities in CS
Teacher support:
Connect with other teachers who are also doing CS
Connections to researchers
Network of professional scientists who support school projects.
How-to videos
Continuity--will the project continue?
Community:
Space to present results publicly
Feedback--support from scientists and other teachers
Opportunities for parents to get involved
Bridges to museums
Bridge to organizations related to project
Networking
Data Management:
Infrastructure for data needs to be created
Examples from outside CS:
Look for good examples in coding for kids, including
Share Projects With Parents, Other Schools, Science, Public:
Elegant shared website for school projects (e.g. SpaceHack)
Post successes, failures, feedback, recommendations
Share lesson plans
Resource clearinghouse for teachers
YouTube channel
Curriculum support:
Provide connections to:
Textbook publishers
Curriculum developers
School boards
Support with creating lesson plans
Technology support:
Tech support from experts, both paid and unpaid
Online help with apps
How-to tips for technology
Connections to paid consultants
Connections to volunteer consultants (e.g. retired teachers)
Support with promoting citizen science in school:
Research on the effectiveness of CS in schools
Standardized evaluation forms
Professional Development:
Google Sites
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