Curriculum

Photo by Pete Mauney '93 MFA '00

The Curriculum

Inspired by stories from places like Flint, MI, and Hoosick Falls, NY, the 2021 Citizen Science program will tackle urgent, present-day questions related to water and work to place these conversations within the ‘new world order’ that has resulted from the 2020 Pandemic. We will explore the properties of water, as well as how these properties influence the contamination (and decontamination) of drinking water. We will also consider in what ways social, historical, and political factors are at work even when we think we are engaged in “objective” science. Using laboratory investigations and active classroom discussions during these few intensive January weeks, the focus will be on the creation, analysis, and interpretation of scientific evidence. The program consists of a common core of coursework and one of five lab strands: Research, Data Analysis, Policy, Science Communication and Science Education.

Five Paths to Engaged Science

The program consists of a common core of course work and one of five lab strands. Students are assigned to a strand during the fall semester based on interest.

Research Strand

Research Strand

Students in this strand will conduct original scientific research on a group of aquatic bacteria that are found in waterways around the world. These bacteria produce a purple pigment, violacein that has remarkable chemical properties. Most practically, the pigment has been shown to kill a fungal pathogen that is decimating global amphibian populations. This strand is ideal for students who have done some scientific research before and are eager to do more. It’s also a great entry point for students who’ve never had the chance to do original hands-on research and would like to try it.
Data Analysis Strand

Data Analysis Strand

Students in this strand will explore how data impacts and shapes their everyday life. Drawing from real-word data sets, including cutting-edge research being conducted at Bard, students will analyze data and present findings that shed light on complex biological and environmental phenomenon. At the end of the Data Analysis Strand, students will be able to describe what data is, how it is collected and analyzed, and how data impacts almost every aspect of our daily lives. This strand is for anyone interested in asking big questions and learning new skills, regardless of previous experience.
Policy Strand

Policy Strand

Students in this strand will explore how science does (or doesn’t) inform policy. By focusing on drinking water regulations, students will translate environmental monitoring data into knowledge that is useful for public policy and the protection of human health. Are current drinking water regulations good enough? How are these regulations monitored and enforced? Is enforcement equal for everyone? How can science help to protect all communities and ensure their right to safe water? To address these questions, students will analyze water samples in the laboratory and examine data-based evidence. This strand is ideal for students who want to gain some laboratory experience and are interested in conducting research that can lead to social action.
Science Communication Strand

Science Communication Strand

In this strand, students will translate important scientific discoveries to make them accessible to the public. The focus will be on interpreting, synthesizing, and writing about results from potentially contradictory studies to provide the best information for people to make timely decisions. For example, does hydraulic fracturing (aka fracking) pose risks for human health? Does the widely used herbicide atrazine (produced by Monsanto) cause deformities in wildlife? This strand is a good choice for students who want to embrace the challenge of distilling scientific information for the public in clearly written prose.
Science Education Strand

Science Education Strand

In this strand, students will learn about theories and practical strategies for transformative citizen science education, culminating in designs for hands-on science activities for use in community-based settings. In the lab, students in this strand will engage in research of their own and develop classroom activities for young learners and adults. This strand is ideal for students who are interested in education, and for those who would like to gain experience and knowledge for doing hands-on work within community-centered contexts.

Contact Us

Citizen Science
Bard College, P.O. Box 5000
Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504
citizenscience@bard.edu | 845-758-7490

Curriculum

The Curriculum

Five Paths to Engaged Science

Research Strand

Data Analysis Strand

Policy Strand

Science Communication Strand

Science Education Strand

Contact Us

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