Aims of the activity and description of target group
Let's first look at what questions or topics participants bring to the project. This lays the foundation to explain their work and the project to the volunteers and also sharpen their image of the research question. The activity is suitable for researchers interested in Citizen Science as well as for citizens who want to carry out a Citizen Science project. The activity can be done individually or in a group.
Resources, Materials needed
Pen and Paper
Duration
45 minutes
Step 1 - Draw yourself
Draw a short picture of yourself in the middle of the paper and hold a small box. Write your profession or role in the box. Use easy-to-understand words that anyone on the street can understand.
Step 2 - Describe your work in one sentence
Insert another field under the first one. Make it a little larger than the first one. Now describe your work in a single, easy-to-understand sentence.
Step 3 - Your questions
Draw a line under the second box and label the bottom section "My most important questions". Enter up to 3 main questions that arise from your work.
Step 4 – Core elements of your work
Insert the heading "My work" at the top of the page. Fill the rest of the page with speech bubbles containing important aspects of your work. You should also use easy-to-understand words here.
If you like, you can add some color. We will need this sheet again later.
Step 5 – Introduce yourself and your work in 3 sentences
Now use all the information you have gathered and introduce yourself to the group in 3 sentences.
Learning Outcomes - which skills are addressed?
The participants are prepared for the subsequent presentation of themselves and their project. It also helps them to formulate a concrete research question or project idea from their current context.
How do you check the outcomes are reached?
Participants are able to present themselves and their work in 3 sentences to someone who has no prior knowledge of the subject.
De-Briefing questions
- How comfortable do you feel presenting yourself and your work?
- Have you found a question or a topic that you would like to evaluate further as a citizen science project?
Further links and readings
- Bhoi, Akash (2023): How to Start Research Work || Beginner’s Guide. https://yewtu.be/watch?v=6ohfcvWnj3w (last viewed 02/06/2024)
- Larson, Craig: Basic Steps in the Research Process. https://www.nhcc.edu/academics/library/doing-library-research/basic-steps-research-process (last viewed 02/06/2024)
- Marbie25 (2015): A Scientist’s Guide to Citizen Science. https://www.instructables.com/A-Scientists-Guide-to-Citizen-Science/ (last viewed 02/05/2024)
- Stapleton, Andy (2021): How to research any topic | Insider tips for easy and fast research. https://yewtu.be/watch?v=iW2DaL-g1CU (last viewed 02/06/2024)