Project: In the footprints of small mammals

Biodiversity has been in a steep and consistent decline over the past century, creating an increasing need for tools that enable rapid and effective monitoring of the ecological systems surrounding us (Butchart et al., 2010). In order to assess the condition of ecological systems, extensive datasets are required across both time and space. Accordingly, creative methods must be developed in order to collect large quantities of data. Community science is a process that enables communities to participate in research led by a skilled researcher. For the researcher, this serves as an important tool for obtaining large amounts of information across time and space, while for participants it provides an opportunity to become acquainted with the academic world and with professional field-based knowledge, and to engage in discussion with researchers regarding field observations (Silvertown, 2009). The widespread use and availability of smartphones, together with their computational power and extensive sensor arrays, further expand the possibilities for research conducted through citizen science methods (Zilli, Rogers, & Merrett, 2015).

During this initiative, learners are exposed to ecological scientific research that includes understanding inquiry processes, discussing issues related to the nature of scientific research such as data reliability and the validity of conclusions, and participating in the conduct of scientific research itself.

Scientists: Asaf Ben David, Tamar Dayan, Ayelet Shavit, Ramat Hanadiv, and KKL-JNF Wings Program.

For further details and contact:
asafbd@gmail.com