CITIZEN SCIENCE AND EDUCATION: COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN RESEARCH PROJECTS

Abstract

This study investigated the role of citizen science in education, focusing on the involvement of communities in collaborative research projects and their impact on the educational process. The main objective was to analyze how citizen science can be applied in schools, promoting inclusion and the development of critical and social skills. The methodology adopted was a literature review, with the analysis of publications on the integration of citizen science in formal education. The results showed that, by involving students and communities in scientific research projects, citizen science contributes to the formation of critical and conscious citizens, in addition to developing collaboration, problem-solving and communication skills. The analysis also highlighted the relevance of educators' role as mediators and facilitators, promoting the integration between academic and popular knowledge. However, challenges were identified, such as the lack of training of educators and institutional resistance, which hinder the implementation of this practice in schools. The final considerations suggest that, although citizen science projects offer several opportunities for enriching teaching, there is a need for studies on best practices for implementation and evaluation of their long-term impacts. Such studies can help strengthen educational policies and promote inclusive and participatory education.