Citizen Science: From Data to Action (FutureLearn)

Become familiar with datasets, learn to identify patterns, errors and insights that can create change from the local to the global.
You will explore the potential of art to communicate complex scientific data and concepts and become one of the first to experience the work of GROW’s artist in residence.

What topics will you cover?

• Overview of different sources of citizen science generated datasets in the GROW Observatory including soil sensor data.
• Analysis of results submitted by GROW participants over the growing season to investigate the effectiveness of a polyculture vs monoculture experiment.
• Identifying trends and patterns in datasets as well as reflecting on the different insights you can gain from individual and collective experiment results.
• The role and potential of art in communicating complex scientific concepts and data.
• Creating positive change through citizen science: from the local to the global.

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

• Explore methods for analysing data from your growing site collected by growers like you.
• Engage in activities using citizen generated data to identify patterns and errors in soil and food growing data.
• Describe key research principles and their importance in designing and analysing robust citizen science experiments for your growing site and your community.
• Design strategies for moving from insights from datasets to positive change making.
• Identify the level of change citizen science experiments can generate in local, national and international spheres, including participatory governance channels.
• Explore the role and potential of art in communicating complex scientific concepts and data.