A new flyer hangs by the Commons door. The Starling River Group, a made-up group in our story, is asking everyone for help.
"They want people to measure the river's water level and send it in from their own devices," Comet reads. "Hundreds of voices, all counting!"
Wren reads the small print. "What do you notice about who can join?"
"Anyone with a device and the Internet," Comet says. Then she stops. "Oh. That is not quite anyone."
Nova hovers by the flyer. "Would you like a hint?" she asks. "Many voices are powerful. Ask which voices can reach the project."
Comet taps the flyer. "Data analyst, could we help them hear more people?"
Crowdsourcing is getting input or information from a large number of people over the Internet.
Citizen science is research done partly or fully by many people, many of whom are not scientists. They contribute data, often from their own devices.
Wide access to information and public data helps people find problems, develop solutions and share results.
Collaboration that includes diverse perspectives helps avoid bias.
| Project (made-up) | Who gives the data | How | Who might be missed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commons Count | 40 of 120 members | The front-desk screen and paper forms | Morning and weekend members |
| River level project | Volunteers who are not scientists | Their own devices, over the Internet | People without a device or the Internet |
| Statement | True or false? |
|---|---|
| Crowdsourcing gets input from many people over the Internet. | ? |
| Everyone who takes part in citizen science must be a scientist. | ? |
| Wide access to public data helps people find problems and share results. | ? |
| A project that needs the Internet can still miss people without it. | ? |
Big ideas today, data analyst. Tomorrow is Impact Friday: who gets the new computers?