Citizen Science and iNaturalist Platform Notes

Citizen Science and iNaturalist

  • iNaturalist is a citizen science platform.
  • Citizen science involves public participation in scientific research to increase scientific knowledge.
  • The tutorial involves using the iNaturalist app to survey biodiversity on the University of Sydney Camperdown campus.
  • Groups will record observations of plants and animals in assigned areas.

Key Principles of Citizen Science (European Citizen Science Association):

  • Actively involve citizens in scientific endeavors.
  • Have a genuine science outcome.
  • Benefit both professional and citizen scientists.
  • Allow citizen scientists to participate in multiple stages.
  • Provide feedback to citizen scientists.
  • Acknowledge as a research approach with limitations.
  • Make data and meta-data publicly available.
  • Acknowledge citizen scientists in results.
  • Evaluate programs for scientific output, data quality, and societal impact.
  • Consider legal and ethical issues.

Tutorial Activities

  • Activity 1: Using iNaturalist to make observations on the University of Sydney Camperdown campus.
  • Record images of plants and animals in a 25m^2 area.
  • Join the ‘AVBS3004 Camperdown campus’ project on iNaturalist.

Group Reflection Questions (Assignment Submission)

  • Question 1 and 9 must be submitted in canvas.
  • Calculate the number of different plant, animal, and fungi species found in your area.
  • Reflect on your experience working as a group (150-200 words).

Assessment

  • Submit a single page with answers to questions 1 and 9.
  • Include the Student ID (SID) of all group members (maximum 3 students).
  • Submission date: 28 March 2024, midnight.
  • All group members must contribute with picture in iNaturalist.

Survey Areas

  • Areas 1 and 2: Behind the RMC Gunn building
  • Areas 3, 4 and 5: Around the Veterinary science and McMasters buildings
  • Areas 6 and 7: Near the John Woolley building and outside the Holme building
  • Areas 8 and 9: Outside the Holme building towards Badham library, near the Old Geology lecture theatre
  • Areas 10 and 11: The barbeque area near the quadrangle
  • Areas 12-15: The footpath along the Paramatta road side of the Chau Chak Wing museum