Description:
Giving citizens the chance to take part in activities benefiting scientific research or progress. For example, water quality testing can require many test sites and locations. Allowing citizens to help collect samples saves time as well as promotes awareness.
Strengths:
Getting citizens involved is beneficial to future progress and awareness. This also helps save time for projects that are on a larger scale.
Weaknesses:
Citizens are not professionals in the field and can make mistakes due to lack of focus or incorrect methods. Trusting data collected through these events and activities could reduce credibility.
Examples:
Example 1: Indiana
Description: Hoosier Riverwatch, volunteer water quality monitoring and education program.
Example 2: Indiana
North American Amphibian Monitoring Program
Description: Volunteers can help monitor calling amphibians.
Photo Credit: http://www.kftc.org/events/hands-community-water-testing-training-0