The Impact of a Place-Based Citizen Science Project on Students’ Attitudes Toward STEM

Abstract This research describes a place-based citizen science project (PBCSP) between primary school students and a science-based agency, Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA), working on eradication of an invasive ant species in Queensland, Australia. The school is in a low socio-economic area with many students speaking a language other than English (LOTE) and many who identify as First Nations Peoples. The aim was to assess the impact of the PBCSP on student participation in science through involvement in a “real-life” science project. A mixed-methods case study design provided a comprehensive analysis of the research problem. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected with the school as a single case. In the quantitative phase, a Likert survey and science test provided data on students’ attitudes and knowledge of science. Qualitative data included interviews with teachers, WTMA personnel, and students. These indicated students’ attitudes towards science had become more positive. Quantitative data revealed a statistically significant improvement in attitude towards science following participation. The project was mutually advantageous, raising the interest of primary school students in science while furthering the aims of WTMA through community participation. These findings are encouraging due to the often-reported correlation between students from low socio-economic backgrounds and poor learning outcomes.