About this Research Topic

Background

Citizen Science was initially designed to engage volunteers in collecting data, images, or other information in order to further specific projects. There were two ways people could participate: by entering relevant data into pre-prepared websites, or by geotagging their location. Subsequently, researchers have discovered that the images and information in other forms that are uploaded to the web in a random manner can also be mined for information and a new type of science is developing that is almost exclusively based on web searches. These studies forge a link between research needs, conservation requirements, and educational agendas. Recently memes (funny pictures) are cropping up in media in order to modulate our perception of animals/celebrities/social or environmental issues.

The changing mind of the generations forces the scientific community to realize the scope of the information supplied by the laymen that are active on the web, and how to utilize this data for educational or conservation purposes. The younger generation (teenagers) is much more digitized in its approach to life and daily practices. By enhancing their youthful capabilities to capture specific topics, address pre-selected subjects, or even random sightings, can result in relevant, and of higher quality, datasets. However, the subject of instruction of the younger generation, and utilizing the information they post on the web, is still regarded skeptically by the scientific community.
We advance the subject, backed up with case studies, of how the scientific community should approach/educate the younger generation to maximize a continued supply of accessible information on the web that can also benefit science.

Reviews, original research, short communication, and perspective manuscripts are all welcome in this collection. We welcome manuscripts on the following subjects:
- Environmental Education (all generations)
- Instilling Leadership in Sustainability, environmental and decision-making issues (generation Y, Z)
- Environmental System Services and Stewardship with/by the younger generation (generation Z)
- Environmental/Sustainability Citizen Science projects involving the up-coming generations (stress Y, Z)

Keywords: Citizen Science, Environmental Education, Stewardship/Leadership, Generations Y or Z, Research

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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