The Benefits of Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) Online Resources for Engagement With Science Education

• In Event: Roundtable Session 38
  In Roundtable Session: Innovations and Stagnations in Science and Environmental Education

Abstract

Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) is a citizen science project funded by the Big Lottery Fund in the UK aimed at engaging the general public in nature surveying. All survey resources are available online to download for free and survey packs comprising all the required resources are distributed to schools and other potential surveyors. OPAL resources support much of the curricular science content and key learning outcomes for children aged between 7 and 14 years in the recently revised Northern Ireland curriculum. Children who completed OPAL surveys reported via online questionnaires that they learned new science, developed new skills, developed a more positive attitude towards science however this positive attitude is not reflected in a desire to become future scientists.

Authors

• Gretta McCarron, Queen's University - Belfast

• Karen Majella Kerr, Queen's University - Belfast