Abstract
In the Philippines, science education is currently focused on three domains: (1) demonstrating scientific inquiry skills, (2) understanding and applying scientific knowledge, and (3) developing and demonstrating scientific attitudes and values (DepEd, 2016). This paper investigated whether citizen science projects (CSPs), specifically a plants-focused CSP using PlantNet and iNaturalist, can be integrated across basic science education in the country. To accomplish this, the ILO framework developed by The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, a pioneer in the development of citizen science, was adopted and aligned with the domains mentioned. Paired t-test analysis revealed a significant difference in students' scientific inquiry skills (p<0.001), motivation (p=0.04), interest (p=0.05), self-efficacy (p=0.009), and mastery of taxonomy concepts (p<0.001) between pre-and post-tests. SWOT analysis of the responses of participants in the follow-up interview yielded promising results. The fun and engaging nature of the intervention was recognized as a strength by the participants; the demand for time and resources, as well as the limited information that can be provided by the application used, were identified as weaknesses; application performance and information availability were identified as areas that can be improved; threats included student safety. Although these findings cannot be generalized to all CSPs, they met the Department of Education's three domains of scientific education; thus, citizen science projects, particularly those focused on biodiversity, can be integrated into K-12 science classes across the country.
Author Information
Leonel Mendoza, Mindoro State University-Calapan City Campus, Philippines
Jammel Abraham Rico, Mindoro State University-Calapan City Campus, Philippines
Jermaine Ritzchelle Marquez, Mindoro State University-Calapan City Campus, Philippines
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