High motivation and relevant scientific competencies through the introduction of citizen science at Secondary schools:: An assessment using a rubric model

Five different citizen science projects have been introduced in eleven secondary schools where class-groups collaboratively worked together. To assess homogeneously the learning performance, we propose a rubric model that includes scientific, communication, and ICT competencies jointly with participation and motivation attitudes. Results highlight that more than 80% of the students developed highest scientific competencies while 81% of them reached top levels regarding motivation and participation attitudes. Results support the idea that citizen science projects allow for a context-based learning and enable students to handle shared concerns related to their own neighborhood through a hands-on approach.