Citizen Science: How Ordinary People are Changing the Face of Discovery by Caren Cooper

Summary ( from Amazon): 
"Think you need a degree in science to contribute to important scientific discoveries? Think again. All around the world, in fields ranging from astronomy to zoology, millions of everyday people are choosing to participate in the scientific process. Working in cooperation with scientists in pursuit of information, innovation, and discovery, these volunteers are following protocols, collecting and reviewing data, and sharing their observations. They are our neighbors, our in-laws, and people in the office down the hall. Their story, along with the story of the social good that can result from citizen science, has largely been untold, until now.

Citizen scientists are challenging old notions about who can conduct research, where knowledge can be acquired, and even how solutions to some of our biggest societal problems might emerge. In telling their story, Cooper will inspire readers to rethink their own assumptions about the role that individuals can play in gaining scientific understanding and putting that understanding to use as stewards of our world. Citizen Science will be a rallying call-to-arms, and will also function as an authoritative resource for those inspired by the featured stories and message. "

Scientific articles by Caren Cooper: 
"Citizen Science: A Developing Tool for Expanding Science Knowledge and Scientific Literacy"
https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/article/59/11/977/251421

Articles in Scientific American by Caren Cooper:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/author/caren-cooper/

Author's Website: https://www.carencooper.com/

Reviews:
Wilson Center:
https://www.wilsoncenter.org/blog-post/book-review-citizen-science-how-ordinary-people-are-changing-the-face-discovery
Discover Magazine:
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/citizen-science-salon/2017/05/23/book-review-citizen-science-how-ordinary-people-are-changing-the-face-of-discovery/#.W10uCthKiRs

Interviews:
Informal Science (2015): http://www.informalscience.org/news-views/advancing-citizen-science-qa-caren-cooper

TED talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7cQHSqfSzI

Yale Envirnomenal 360:
https://e360.yale.edu/features/interview_caren_cooper_how_rise_of_citizen_science_is_democratizing_research

ASTC (2016): http://www.astc.org/events/astc-on-air-with-caren-cooper/

Citizen Science Event at Bucks County Audubon Society: August 18th at 2 p.m. Cold Blooded Critters: PA Amphibians and Reptile Survey: Click here to learn more:
http://www.bcas.org/event/cold-blooded-critters-pa-amphibian-reptile-survey-pars/

Sites to find and participate in Citizen Science projects:
**This is the one is guided by the author: https://scistarter.com/cooper
https://www.zooniverse.org/

Discussion Questions: (Heidi will be leading the discussion and these are her questions.)

1. How would you describe citizen science and is it real science?

2. There are many citizen science programs that have yielded fascinating findings and important contributions, such as: CoCoRaHS  and weather monitoring (p. 22-), Nest Record Scheme (p. 34), Christmas Bird Count (CBC) and ebird (p. 42 - ), Monarch Programs (p. 81 - ), Galaxy Zoo or Stardust@home (pp. 83-),  Biochemistry and Folding@home and Rosetta@home (p. 111 - ),  MERCCURI (p. 133  -), Keep it Clean (p. 192- ), etc.

3. Discuss what impacts these programs have had and which ones you found especially surprising and interesting.

4. What do you think of BOINC (p. 110 - ) and what it accomplishes?

5. Discuss the cases that led to open access policies, including Michael Servetus, Aaron Swartz and We the People. (148 - )

6. What impact does citizen science and open access science have on traditional science and the research process? (p. 151 -)

7. “ Crowds may be typical in citizen science, but they are not essential.  James-Creedon quotes Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only that that ever has.” “ (p. 210) How can an engaged public through these projects yield life saving information and change, good and perhaps, not wanted, i.e. with fracking, tracking pollution, Sustainability Leadership Program, Global Community Monitor, LABB, iWitness Pollution Map, etc, ? (p. 172-, 209- )

8. Discuss the concept of  “community insurance” as used to protect the snow leopard in Asia. (p. 165-)

9. Have you or are you currently involved in a Citizen Science program and if so, which one(s)? Describe how you got started and your experiences.

10. Have you visited the Scistarter website and if yes, which projects look interesting to you?