A BIODIVERSITY CITIZEN SCIENCE INITIATIVE FOR YOUTH IN HONG KONG
THE MISSION
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Be a citizen scientist and observe different species of animals and plants in a "Biodiversity Challenge" using the free app called "Seek by iNaturalist"
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To participate in a PhD study investigating the impact of citizen science experiences in nature on youth living in Hong Kong
WHAT IMPACT CAN ONE MAKE BY JOINING?
You will be part of research that has never been done before in Hong Kong!
Your observations of HK's nature will contribute to a global database for biodiversity!
You will support scientists in their research and advocacy work for positive environmental change!
WHAT IS THE "BIODIVERSITY CHALLENGE"?
This challenge is about appreciating and discovering different animal and plant species living around you. All you need to do is download the app on your smartphone or a tablet, explore a natural environment (ideally with friends and family since more eyes and ears means more observations!) and record different animals and plants that are wild. Your cute pet doesn't count!
WHAT IS THE PHD STUDY ABOUT?
This "SEEK NATURE HK" initiative is a citizen science project that is part of my PhD study. I am interested in the impact of learning experiences in nature on students. In particular, I want to understand how students engage with their environment because of citizen science activities. Citizen science happens when the public help collect and analyze information to support experts in their research. You will be part of a group of students involved in the first citizen science education research ever conducted in Hong Kong! To learn more about me and my PhD research, go to the PhD Research page.
WHO CAN JOIN?
Any student studying at a secondary school in Hong Kong (as of 2020-2021 school year)
WHAT DO YOU DO AS PART OF THE PHD STUDY?
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Take a short survey BEFORE starting the 'Biodiversity Challenge' activity
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Download the free app "Seek by iNaturalist" on a smartphone
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Observe different species in nature with your friends and family
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Do a short survey AFTER doing the 'Biodiversity Challenge' activity
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Share your thoughts in a small group interview with other students who joined this initiative
ENJOY TIME IN NATURE THIS SUMMER!
Youth make great citizen scientists! Whether partnering with friends and family or joining on your own, this collaborative activity helps bring your observation power to the scientific and environmental communities who use the data you collect to understand the health of Earth's species. Much has been written about the growth of citizen science approaches to help monitor biodiversity and what that means for mindful action taken by the experts and concerned public, including young people. Research and action have led to successes both in Hong Kong and globally, and citizen science is becoming a force for more sustainable and equitable human development in tandem with our environment.
Be a part of this movement and see where it takes you!
The app "Seek by iNaturalist" is a smartphone or tablet tool that identifies animals and plants from a global biodiversity database verified by experts. The database is constantly being updated with hundreds of observations everyday by citizen scientists around the world who are curious about nature. These observations are analyzed by scientists for accuracy, and the records that can be identified to the exact species get included in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (the global database). Each observation of a wild animal or plant can be recorded using "Seek by iNaturalist" and can earn credits towards challenges. These challenges come built-in within the app, and the focus for this citizen science initiative is the "Biodiversity Challenge".