REEF's education team recently collaborated with college professors Amy Jean Horner Reber, Ph.D., from Georgia State University, and Austin D. Heil, Ph.D., from University of Georgia, along with the Undergraduate Student Experiences with Citizen Science (USE CitSci) network to develop two new teaching units designed for science and non-science majors’ college-level courses.
These units leverage REEF's rich citizen science data to engage undergraduate students in real-world scientific practices. Through this collaboration, REEF and USE CitSci aim to support educators in creating more inclusive and hands-on learning environments, while helping students build data literacy, deepen their understanding of marine ecosystems, and experience the value of authentic science participation.
USE CitSci is a national network focused on expanding the use of citizen science in undergraduate education. The initiative brings together educators, researchers, and practitioners to improve learning outcomes, support diverse learners, and foster a strong community of practice around data-driven, experiential learning.
You can find Dr. Reber’s Unit: Exploring Trends in Rainbow Parrotfish Abundance Using the REEF Database and Dr. Heil’s Unit: Florida Goliath Grouper Fishery Case here.
