What improves students’ participation in a school-based citizen science project? Through the lens of practitioners

Citizen science, a growing domain that allows public participation in scientific research, plays an increasingly significant role in formal education. Its potential to foster scientific literacy, address environmental issues, and promote sustainability is widely acknowledged. Drawing on the concept mapping approach, this study aims to investigate the factors that could motivate students’ participation in a university-based citizen science project. This methodology enabled substantive insights, driving focused discussions and yielding rich, consolidated outcomes that reflect a strong consensus. These factors encompass the importance of real-world connections, experiential learning, institutional support, autonomy, and global consciousness, extending existing theoretical frameworks. The results illuminate the transformative potential of school-based citizen science and offer valuable insights for designing engaging educational initiatives and strategically allocating resources. The implications of this study transcend the academic realm, underscoring the role of citizen science in fostering a science-literate society and a sustainable future.