Science

With all the randomness in the universe, it is no wonder that most creatures have evolved to be able to spot patterns. As humans, we can smell clusters of molecules that we identify as scent, and similarly, we can see when only certain wavelengths of light are reflected off surfaces – we observe this as color. Our senses make us very sensitive machines for noticing patterns.

Yet, there is so much in the universe beyond our senses. As you saw in Unit 2, we have pushed the limits of our observational powers to visualize other planets and galaxies that are millions of miles away. Just as humans have the ability to not only impact but understand our world and the universe, a powerful part of these investigations comes from collaboration and communication. Improvements in technology and subsequently communication have also allowed for anyone to contribute to that scientific understanding through the practice of citizen science. This allows a researcher to collect and analyze copious amounts of data, potentially speeding the rate of discovery.

Explore the following resources to learn more about Citizen Science:

Read Citizen Science: People Power, available in Doc Sharing. This article is from the Kaplan Library.

Hand E. (2010). Citizen science: People power. Nature. 466 (7307). 685. Doi:10.1038/466685a

SETI Live:

http://www.seti.org/seti-institute/project/details/setilive

The National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count:

http://birds.audubon.org/christmas-bird-count

NASA’s Citizen Science:

http://science.nasa.gov/citizen-scientists/

Citizen Science Alliance:

http://www.citizensciencealliance.org/projects.html

Come to Seminar prepared to discuss the following questions:

1. What are the technological advantages of a program like SETI?
2. Using the sources provided, find a citizen science project and describe the goal of the project. What is required for those that sign up to participate?
3. Sometimes we can’t make long term commitments, but we can participate in annual events. What is the value of ecological surveys like the annual Christmas Bird Count conducted through the Audubon Society, which occurs only once a year?
4. What are the risks of creating this sort of program? How can the data be confirmed accurate/reliable?

To earn Seminar credit for this unit, complete one of the following options below:

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Option 2: Write and submit a short paper.

In a 400-word paper, respond to the questions posed within the Seminar description.

Submitting Your Assignment

Save your copy of the assignment in a location and with a name that you will remember. Be sure to use the “Save As” option to include your first and last name in the title of the document. For example, your assignment might be calledShawn_Edwards_Seminar1.doc

When you are ready to submit it, click on the Dropbox and complete the steps below: