Bring real-world science into the classroom through citizen science

Young people spend a large part of their lives in school — but too often, what they learn in science feels disconnected from the world around them. Experiments are often predictable, results discarded, and concepts can seem distant from everyday life. But what if their efforts truly mattered? What if the data they gathered helped advance scientific research and tackle real-world problems? That’s the power of citizen science. Anyone, anywhere — including you and your students — can take part in meaningful research and make a difference.

This course, offered by CROPS (CitizenScience Addressing societal challenges) and hosted by the European Schoolnet Academy, is open to educators who want to bring real-world science into the classroom through citizen science. You’ll explore inspiring citizen science projects, learn how they connect to the EU’s five Missions — climate, cancer, oceans, smart cities, and soil — and discover ways to bring them into your teaching. The course is flexible and easy to follow, with one module released weekly and a single deadline for submitting your Learning Scenario and peer review.

Modules

• Module 1: Introduction to Citizen Science and the Five EU Missions opens on 13/10/2025

• Module 2: Choosing the Right Citizen Science Project for Your Students opens on 20/10/2025

• Module 3: Planning and Implementing Citizen Science Activities opens on 27/10/2025

• Module 4: Assessing Students' Learning and Impact of Citizen Science Projects opens on 03/11/2025

Certification

To earn a course certificate, you need to submit a Learning Scenario and review three Learning Scenarios from other participants. The overall passing grade is 95%. The final deadline to complete all activities is 19 November 2025, 23:59 CET.

Imagine your students monitoring ocean pollution, tracking local wildlife, testing air quality, analyzing cancer data, or examining soil health nearby — all while contributing to real research.

https://www.europeanschoolnetacademy.eu/courses/course-v1:CROPS+CitizenScience+2025/about