Vance-Chalcraft, H.D., Gates, T.A., Hogan, K.A., Evans, M., Bunnell, A. and Hurlbert, A.H., 2021. Using Citizen Science to Incorporate Research into Introductory Biology Courses at Multiple Universities. Citizen Science: Theory and Practice, 6(1), p.23. DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/cstp.424

Across three universities, we included Caterpillars Count! as a research experience in introductory biology courses. This citizen science project measures seasonal variation in the abundance of arthropods on the foliage of trees and shrubs. Over five semesters, more than 1,200 students participated in a pre- and post-assessment of knowledge related to citizen science, ecology, and the nature and process of science. A subset of students also provided written reflections.