I’m wondering if others’ students (high school and/or college) are involved in any citizen science projects. Citizen science is the involvement of the public in scientific research – whether community-driven research or global investigations. If so, do you feel that these volunteer activities are as worthy and valuable as “in-person” community volunteer activities? My younger son is involved in a few citizen science projects and I’m wondering if they should be included on his college applications next year.
It is certainly a positive. Without knowing specifically what your son’s involvement is, it’s hard to say. Every application tells a story. If your story is that you love science and in addition to (just examples!) taking extra science classes, being on Science Olympiad and reading Scientific American I also do this, it could be a plus. If it’s I’m a theater kid, but I have my computer helping find new stars, it doesn’t actually require any work from me, it’s not going to do much. If it’s I’m interested in public health, so being involved in a project where they monitor x, is very interesting to me. It’s a plus.
Part of the application process is the kid figuring out who they are, and then persuading the colleges that they are someone the college would like to have around. It’s less about the accomplishments and more about how you talk about it. I’m sure everyone is sick of hearing this, but my younger son liked playing with origami. He got good enough to sell origami earrings to local galleries. But it was more the way he talked about origami in his essays that I think made the difference. He talked about finding a way to teach himself, and how he shared his knowledge by teaching a class at the senior center. More importantly thouge was funny and self deprecating as he talked about it.
Thank you for your insights @mathmom17. He’s a participant in NASA’s GLOBE Observer, contributing his local observations of cloud types and weather conditions (including photographing the sky) in conjunction with satellite flyovers. It is the sky photography that appeals most to him as he was taking pictures of clouds before learning about this project.