מדע אזרחי ושיתוף ציבור בסוגיות בריאות וסביבה: המקרה של סקר גז הראדון בבתי ספר

Citizen science is a growing field of research and practice, in which volunteers engage in active scientific research. This paper describes citizen science ability to promote environmental awareness and social involvement using the case of the Radon Home Survey – a citizen science project for measuring and mapping radon concentrations in buildings in Israel. The study has two research goals. Our scientific goal is to measure indoor radon concentrations and examine the feasibility of radon mapping through citizen science. Our educational goal is to examine students’ learning trajectories, building on interviews with teachers facilitating student participation (n=8) and student feedback (n=112). While initially unaware of radon, students have become interested and motivated about the topic, expressing interest in promoting awareness in their local communities and becoming agents of change. These findings emphasize the role of citizen science in raising awareness, empowering students and publics, and promoting environmental stewardship and responsibility/