LEARNING ABOUT THE COMPLEXITY OF SCIENCE THROUGH CITIZEN SCIENCE

Authors

  • Yaela N. Golumbic aSCOPE Group, School of Chemistry, University of Sydney http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8523-5153
  • Kymberley Scroggie SCOPE Group, School of Chemistry, University of Sydney
  • Hung Phat Duong SCOPE Group, School of Chemistry, University of Sydney
  • Peter J. Rutledge SCOPE Group, School of Chemistry, University of Sydney
  • Alice Motion SCOPE Group, School of Chemistry, University of Sydney http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5859-7888

Keywords:

nature of science, citizen science, public understanding of science, science learning

Abstract

Understanding the complexity and multifaceted nature of science is a key skill for engaging fruitfully in today’s scientifically and technologically enhanced society. Yet, these notions are often not taught in school or university contexts and thus are difficult for students and publics to conceive. One way to increase the understanding about the nature of science is by active participation in scientific research, through citizen science projects. This paper presents a novel approach to citizen science, applied in E$$ENTIAL MEDICINE$ – a Breaking Good citizen science project – for exploring the world's most important medicines (Motion et al., 2020). Through hands-on engagement with the project, participants investigate the life cycles and accessibility of important medicines to people around the world, and learn about the social, political and financial variables which affect access to some medicines. Such learning opportunities provide a holistic understanding of the complexity of science, and will be discussed in this talk alongside the implications and implementation of E$$ENTIAL MEDICINE$ in formal education. REFERENCE Motion, A. et al. “Breaking Good.” Breaking Good. Retrieved June 19, 2020 (https://www.breakinggoodproject.com).

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Published

2020-09-26

Issue

Proceedings of The Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education (2020)

Section

Abstracts