Citizen Science and STEM Education

Background The NOAA Office of Education has the vision of an informed society that uses ocean, coastal, Great Lakes, weather, and climate science to make the best social, economic, and environmental decisions. Citizen science also has a rich history within NOAA. Volunteer observations have helped inform our Nation's prediction and management of weather, oceans and coasts for over a century. This experience, paired with strengthened coordination, operational capabilities, workforce proficiency, and multisector partnerships will enable NOAA to lead citizen science efforts for years to come. Our agency will maximize and contribute to new pathways for evolving how the public engages with scientific research and monitoring. Research Priorities: Examples of appropriate subtopics for research applications from small businesses include, but are not limited to the following: Auto-Transcription and Text Identification: The development of an auto-transcription technology combining optical and machine-learning methods that could rapidly and accurately translate tabular manuscript forms (handwritten and typed) into digital text. Customizable Data Validation Technology for Public Data Applications: Machine learning capability that could be broadly applied to public data reporting applications to allow for customizable checks for incorrect, false, and/or malicious data entries. Data Tools for Education, Communication, and Citizen Science: Development of tools, platforms, apps, games, lesson plans, curricula, techniques and educator professional development materials to make environmental information, including public data sets, more accessible, usable, understandable, and relatable to students, citizen scientists, and the public.