Citizen Science
Citizen Science
& Recreational Science
& Recreational Science
Citizen Science has a long history in the 'naturalist' and 'conservationist' movements in which citizens of all ages are enlisted to gather & record data. The Globe Program (see below) has been coordinating Citizen Science in K-12 classrooms for decades. See 'Traditional Citizen Science Projects' for other similar examples.
However, Citizen Science has recently begun partnering with 'artificial intelligence' and this has radically expanded its scope of inquiry. Using 'computational thinking', humans can create 'algorithms/code' to model real-world problems so that computers can perform 'billions" of instructions per second to assist in solving them. An example of 'computational thinking' is the use of real-time sensors to monitor & predict traffic patterns and then provide that information to humans & traffic signals to optimize the flow of traffic.
However, some types of problems are too ambiguous/ill-defined to translate into 'code' for computers to process at super fast speeds. Then why not have computers "lure" millions of 'slower but more complex humans thinkers' to an online sites ('crowd-sourcing') to process & report the data needed to solve such problems. Better yet, why not make such problem-solving seem like a game in order to sustain engaged human participation? See 'Computer Game-Based Citizen Science Projects for some examples.
However, Citizen Science has recently begun partnering with 'artificial intelligence' and this has radically expanded its scope of inquiry. Using 'computational thinking', humans can create 'algorithms/code' to model real-world problems so that computers can perform 'billions" of instructions per second to assist in solving them. An example of 'computational thinking' is the use of real-time sensors to monitor & predict traffic patterns and then provide that information to humans & traffic signals to optimize the flow of traffic.
However, some types of problems are too ambiguous/ill-defined to translate into 'code' for computers to process at super fast speeds. Then why not have computers "lure" millions of 'slower but more complex humans thinkers' to an online sites ('crowd-sourcing') to process & report the data needed to solve such problems. Better yet, why not make such problem-solving seem like a game in order to sustain engaged human participation? See 'Computer Game-Based Citizen Science Projects for some examples.
Cooper, C. (2016). Citizen science: How ordinary people are changing the face of discovery. New York, NY: Overlook Press.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (2018). Learning Through Citizen Science: Enhancing Opportunities by Design. Washington, DC: NAP.
https://doi.org/10.17226/25183
https://doi.org/10.17226/25183
Schrier, K. (2016). Knowledge games: How playing games can solve problems, create insight, and make change. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press.
Citizen Science
Traditional & Digital Game-BasedCitizen Science
Traditional
Traditional
Citizen Science
Citizen Science
helping federal agencies accelerate innovation through public participation
a worldwide science & education programs (156 millon measurements, 32,000 schools)
record and share your observatons with other naturalists
citizen science projects that people of all ages can participate in
over 240 citizen science experiments that people of all ages can participate in worldwide.
Digital Game-Based
Digital Game-Based
Citizen Science
Citizen Science
connecting science to games
participate in citizen science research by playing games
use Smartphones & computers to participate in cutting edge research in many fields (sciences, humanities)
Blogs
Blogs
Videos
(YouTube)Videos
Books
Books
Connolly, S. (2008). The book of totally irresponsible science: 64 daring experiments for young scientists.
Gardner, M. (1981). Entertaining science experiments with everyday objects.
Gardner, M. (1994). Great essays in science. Prometheus Books.
Gardner, M. (2011). Martin Gardner's science magic: Tricks and puzzles.
Kakalios, J, (2009). The physics of superheros (2nd Ed.)
Visual Guides
Callery, S. (2017). The periodic table: The definitive visual catalog of the building blocks of the universe.
Gray, T. (2012). A visual exploration of every known atom in the universe.
Gray, T. (2018). Molecules: The elements and the architecture of everything (Reprint ed.).
Science Games
with good science & good game designScience Games
Covalence: A Molecule Building GameGenius Games
Age: 8+2-7 players, 15-40 mins.
A cooperative game in which players work together to accurately build organic molecules based on clues provided by the one player that knows their secret identity. The game includes 4 levels of difficulty.
Age: 8+2-7 players, 15-40 mins.
A cooperative game in which players work together to accurately build organic molecules based on clues provided by the one player that knows their secret identity. The game includes 4 levels of difficulty.
Cytosis Genius Games
Age: 10+2-5 players, 60-90 mins.
Game play accurately mimics how cells operate and function. Players take turns placing workers on available organelles within a human cell in order to collect resources (such as Carbohydrates or ATP!) or take actions (such as purchasing Cell Component cards or translating mRNA into Proteins!) Players use their resources to build Enzymes, Hormones, and Hormone Receptors and also to help detoxify the cell.
Age: 10+2-5 players, 60-90 mins.
Game play accurately mimics how cells operate and function. Players take turns placing workers on available organelles within a human cell in order to collect resources (such as Carbohydrates or ATP!) or take actions (such as purchasing Cell Component cards or translating mRNA into Proteins!) Players use their resources to build Enzymes, Hormones, and Hormone Receptors and also to help detoxify the cell.
Ion: A Compound Building GameGenius Games
Ages: 8+2 - 7 players, 30 mins.
Each player is dealt eight cards and given three action tiles. They choose one of those cards and pass the remaining cards to the player on their left while they receive the same amount of cards from the player on their right. Selected cards must be either (1) bonded to another ion of an opposing charge or (2) set alone, but they cannot be moved once placed. Players only score points from cards or sets of cards that are neutral (all charges balanced).
Ages: 8+2 - 7 players, 30 mins.
Each player is dealt eight cards and given three action tiles. They choose one of those cards and pass the remaining cards to the player on their left while they receive the same amount of cards from the player on their right. Selected cards must be either (1) bonded to another ion of an opposing charge or (2) set alone, but they cannot be moved once placed. Players only score points from cards or sets of cards that are neutral (all charges balanced).
Periodic: A Game of Elementsby John CoveyouGenius Games
Kickstarter: shipping June 2019
Ages: 10+2 - 5 players, 40-60 mins.
Players strategically activate periodic trends (such as "increasing atomic mass") to move across the periodic table, collecting elements to score points. As players move across the board, they are also racing to end their turn in specific element groups, competing with opposing players to earn the limited bonus points!
rule book (English)
Kickstarter: shipping June 2019
Ages: 10+2 - 5 players, 40-60 mins.
Players strategically activate periodic trends (such as "increasing atomic mass") to move across the periodic table, collecting elements to score points. As players move across the board, they are also racing to end their turn in specific element groups, competing with opposing players to earn the limited bonus points!
rule book (English)
ValenceScience Ninjas
Ages: 8+2-4 players, 20-30 mins.
Players draw Element cards from the deck in order to form Molecules. If the Valence numbers add up to zero, they form a moleculte.Players then select their Molecule from the Molecule bank by matching the colors of the elements to the colors of the molecules. These colors represent the element's group on the periodic table - Halogens for instance are red.
Several molecules are vulnerable to attack from opponents! Acids attack Bases (4 points) and turn them into Salt and Water (1 point each). Players interact with each other using real chemical reactions.
Ages: 8+2-4 players, 20-30 mins.
Players draw Element cards from the deck in order to form Molecules. If the Valence numbers add up to zero, they form a moleculte.Players then select their Molecule from the Molecule bank by matching the colors of the elements to the colors of the molecules. These colors represent the element's group on the periodic table - Halogens for instance are red.
Several molecules are vulnerable to attack from opponents! Acids attack Bases (4 points) and turn them into Salt and Water (1 point each). Players interact with each other using real chemical reactions.
Valence PlusScience Ninjas
Ages: 8+2-4 players, 20-30 mins.
Players draw Element cards from the deck in order to form Molecules. If the Valence numbers add up to zero, they form a moleculte.Players then select their Molecule from the Molecule bank by matching the colors of the elements to the colors of the molecules. These colors represent the element's group on the periodic table - Halogens for instance are red.
Valence Plus adds additional elements, molecules, and more complex multi-stage chemical reactions to Valence as well as a game board. A subset of Valence Plus cards can be used to play the original version of Valence if a simpler game is desired.
Ages: 8+2-4 players, 20-30 mins.
Players draw Element cards from the deck in order to form Molecules. If the Valence numbers add up to zero, they form a moleculte.Players then select their Molecule from the Molecule bank by matching the colors of the elements to the colors of the molecules. These colors represent the element's group on the periodic table - Halogens for instance are red.
Valence Plus adds additional elements, molecules, and more complex multi-stage chemical reactions to Valence as well as a game board. A subset of Valence Plus cards can be used to play the original version of Valence if a simpler game is desired.
PocketLab
(a Kickstarter project)PocketLab
PocketLab is a science lab that fits in the palm of your hand. PocketLab connects with a single button to a smart phone, tablet, Chromebook, or computer and instantly streams data that you can see and record. PocketLab measures motion, acceleration, angular velocity, magnetic field, pressure, altitude, and temperature. Using the PocketLab app, you can easily analyze your data, create graphs, and integrate your data with other software. PocketLab has the same features as lab equipment that costs thousands of dollars but is low cost and intuitive to use.
PocketLab One Introduction
PocketLab One Testimonial
PocketLab One - Getting Started
'Kickstarter' Citizen Science Projects
(backed by The Curiosity Shoppe)'Kickstarter' Citizen Science Projects
Other Citizen Science Devices
Other Citizen Science Devices
Kill A WattA device which assess the 'power efficiency' (kilowatt hours used) by devices plugged into. Calculate your electrical expenses by the day, week, month, or year. Check the quality of your power by monitoring voltage and line frequency