Pittsburgh Water Microbiome Project Kyle Bibby University of Pittsburgh Keywords: Citizen Science, Water Quality, Microbiology, Interdisciplinary Training
Why? Educational Goals: –Middle school students – experiential STEM education –Undergraduate students – interdisciplinary biology training and outreach –General public – water quality and microbiology Middle school students sample drinking water Undergraduate engineers analyze microbiology & perform educational outreach Public engagement at Carnegie Science Center
When? First year of implementation completed Interactive display at Carnegie Science Center Sampling kit redevelopment Second year implementation ongoing
Where? Multiple undergraduate programs Pittsburgh Gifted Center middle school Display at Carnegie Science Center Interactive Display at Carnegie Science Center
What? Sampling kits, project website, and science center display have been developed Sampling kits redeveloped after first year Screenshot of Project Website
Prognosis? Impact documented through surveys At Carnegie Science Center: –71% of exhibit users used display –4.9 minute average interaction Documentation to help future citizen science Undergraduate student during outreach day