Building bridges between research and schools – Libraries as facilitators
LIBER – SciStarter Webinar – Building bridges between research and schools. Libraries as facilitators
Imagine how amazing it would be if young people had the chance to engage closely with research. It would certainly be an opportunity to make school subjects come alive. Young people could view their studies from a fresh perspective, get more actively involved in a specific topic, and sharpen their critical thinking skills. An experience with research would also help them reflect in new ways on their future higher education paths or professional choices. More generally, it would be a life-changing experience, enhancing scientific literacy and making young people less susceptible to falling into the trap of fake news.
Citizen Science has the potential to empower young people. Libraries, with their extensive experience as bridge builders, have the capacity to support these kinds of projects and facilitate connections between researchers and schools.
The event is a part of the LIBER Citizen Science Working Group and SciStarter co-organised webinar series that provides tips and tricks for libraries to engage in Citizen Science. Webinar times are indicated in CET (Amsterdam/Brussels time zone).
REGISTER HERE
Presentations
Engaging high school students in research – Mette Fentz Haastrup
Abstract: Since 2019 100+ Danish high school classes (approx. 2,500 high school students) have participated in CS projects within natural sciences, social sciences and humanities facilitated by SDU Library. The students participate as part of their education program in high school giving them an insight in the research process through a hands-on, active learning process. Based on lessons learned from these projects, this talk will focus on how to facilitate school-based research projects that are co-designed and have joint goals (scientific and educational).
Citizen Science Co-Design: Leveraging the expertise of youth, educators, and scientists – Brittney Beck
Abstract: Citizen science co-design represents a transformative approach to research, integrating the expertise of youth, educators, and scientists to foster meaningful collaboration and authentic scientific inquiry. This presentation explores the potential of co-designed citizen science initiatives to bridge the gap between formal education and real-world scientific practice. By engaging diverse stakeholders in the research process—from question formulation to data collection and analysis—co-design empowers youth as active contributors, enhances educators’ capacity to integrate inquiry-based learning, and enables scientists to benefit from localized knowledge and community-driven perspectives. Drawing from case studies and best practices, this session highlights strategies for fostering equitable partnerships, ensuring data quality, and sustaining engagement across diverse learning environments. Attendees will gain insights into the practical applications of citizen science co-design, its impact on STEM identity development, and strategies for overcoming common challenges in implementation. Ultimately, this approach redefines the role of communities in scientific discovery, positioning co-design as a powerful tool for inclusive and impactful research.
Programme
5 pm – 5.10 pm: Introduction
5.10 pm- 5.30 pm: Presentation by Mette Fentz Haastrup
5.30 pm – 5.40 pm: Q&A
5.40 pm – 6 pm: Presentation by Brittney Beck
6 pm – 6.10 pm: Q&A
6.10 pm – 6.30 pm: Discussion with the audience
Get to know the speakers
- Mette Fentz Haastrup (University Library of Southern Denmark): Mette Fentz Haastrup (Master of History) is a coordinator at the University Library of Southern Denmark and SDU’s Knowledge Center for Citizen Science. Haastrup works as a project manager of several Citizen Science projects that engage high school students in research projects. She is further working as a consultant in citizen science. She is a former high school teacher.
- Brittney Beck (California State University): As an Associate Professor of Teacher Education at California State University, Bakersfield and a National Geographic Explorer, Brittney Beck’s work exists at the intersections of environmental justice, storytelling, and education. Through citizen and community science, she empowers students and educators to become active contributors to knowledge production—bridging classroom learning with real-world environmental and social issues. Her work amplifies storytelling as a tool for change, leveraging narratives to illuminate community experiences, inspire action, and foster deeper connections between science and society. She designs and implements programs that cultivate scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and environmental stewardship, particularly within underrepresented communities.