An action research on creating awareness of environmental pollution among specially talented students through citizen science

This study aims to identify the role of citizen science practice in raising awareness and sensitivity to environmental pollution among gifted primary and secondary school students. The research is based on action research, one of the qualitative research designs. The action plan applied in the research process was planned on the basis of citizen science, which is a scientific research. The study group of this research consists of 24 primary and secondary school students with special abilities who were selected through criterion sampling in a school for gifted and talented in the district of a province located in the Central Black Sea region of the Black Sea region. Structured interview form, students' drawings and researcher's diary were used as data collection tools. The data collection tools were developed by the researcher and updated after receiving opinions from local experts. Prior to the citizen science application, student drawings were made using the draw and tell technique on environmental pollution, and then individual interviews were conducted using a structured interview form. After collecting the pre-application data, the citizen science application, planned as an action research, was initiated and implemented for four weeks. During the action research process, students were given observation notebooks in which to record their observations of pollution, and a brochure prepared by the researcher about the issues to be considered in the process was distributed. At the end of the four weeks, the citizen science exercise was completed and a booklet of weekly maps was produced. This booklet was distributed to local institutions and individuals to raise awareness of the issue at a local level. Once the citizen science application was completed, individual interviews were conducted and student drawings were made. The data obtained from the interviews and drawings both before and after the application were analysed and evaluated holistically using the content analysis technique on an appropriate qualitative analysis computer program. After the application, it was observed that the level of knowledge, sensitivity, awareness and consciousness about environmental pollution increased in the students who formed the participant group of the study. It was observed that the participants showed emotional reactions such as being disturbed and upset by the pollution they encountered during the application process. The students attributed the creation of pollution to human behaviour both before and after the application. There was a significant increase in suggestions for solutions to pollution after the application, and the students stated that the solution was to educate and raise people's awareness. The study found that students enjoyed citizen science and were proud to take part in the application. It was also found that the participating students' awareness and sensitivity towards the environment increased after the citizen science application. In order for students to increase their awareness of environmental pollution and gain experience in nature, such educational content can be prepared in out-of-school settings. It is recommended to create educational plans based on citizen science practice in different nature observation processes other than pollution.