Citizen Science in Science-Physics Class: Building Contextual Climate Change Literacy

Elvina Risma Andini, Joko Siswanto

Abstract


This study aims to examine the potential of integrating Citizen Science (CS) into science-physics learning as a pedagogical approach that can help shape a contextual understanding of climate change. This study used the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method with reference to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The review process was carried out through several steps, namely problem identification, literature search in various databases, determination of inclusion and exclusion criteria, selection of articles, and thematic analysis of literature that met the criteria. Of the 35 articles identified, 15 were selected for further in-depth analysis. The literature review indicates that the integration of CS into science-physics learning can effectively improve cognitive aspects (scientific literacy, critical thinking skills, and creativity), affective (positive attitudes towards the environment, self-confidence, and relationships with the scientific community), and behavioral (awareness of pro-environmental actions). However, significant behavioral changes are still limited, and implementation faces obstacles such as limited time, lack of teacher competence, and integration with the official curriculum. The uniqueness of this study lies in mapping the contribution of Citizen Science in strengthening students' climate literacy comprehensively. Citizen Science serves not only as a science learning method but also as a medium of scientific and social participation that connects scientific knowledge, environmental awareness, and concrete action.

Full Text:

PDF

References


M. G. Muluneh, “Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity and Food Security: A Global Perspective—A Review Article,” Agriculture and Food Security, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 1–25, 2021, doi: 10.1186/s40066-021-00318-5.

D. Hadjichambi, A. C. Hadjichambis, A. Adamou, and Y. Georgiou, “A Systematic Literature Review of K–12 Environmental Citizen Science (CS) Initiatives: Unveiling the CS Pedagogical and Participatory Aspects Contributing to Students’ Environmental Citizenship,” Educational Research Review, vol. 39, p. 100525, 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.edurev.2023.100525.

Adnan, S. Saenab, R. Rahmatullah, R. Almunawarah, and S. Sahira, “The Effect of Citizen Science Project Learning Model on Students’ Critical and Creative Thinking Skills,” International Journal of Cognitive Research in Science, Engineering and Education, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 51–61, 2025, doi: 10.23947/2334-8496-2025-13-1-51-61.

H. Smith et al., “Leveraging Citizen Science in a College Classroom to Build Interest and Efficacy for Science and the Environment,” Citizen Science: Theory and Practice, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 1–13, 2021, doi: 10.5334/CSTP.434.

A. S. Utami, I. Kaniawati, and S. Sriyati, Citizen Science: Fostering Creative Thinking in Environmental Education, vol. 1. Atlantis Press SARL, 2023, doi: 10.2991/978-2-38476-052-7_29.

N. Hamidah, T. Hidayat, S. Sriyati, and T. Hadibarata, “Assessing Sustainability Literacy in Green Schools through Citizen Science Projects on Biodiversity Learning,” Journal of Science Education Innovation, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 150–159, 2024, doi: 10.21831/jipi.v10i2.71283.

J. Roche et al., “Citizen Science, Education, and Learning: Challenges and Opportunities,” Frontiers in Sociology, vol. 5, pp. 1–10, 2020, doi: 10.3389/fsoc.2020.613814.

M. Aczel and K. E. Makuch, “Climate Change, Young People, and the IPCC: The Role of Citizen Science,” Elementa: Science of the Anthropocene, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 1–13, 2023, doi: 10.1525/elementa.2022.00029.

C. Flanagan, E. Gallay, and A. Pykett, “Urban Youth and the Environmental Commons: Rejuvenating Civic Engagement through Civic Science,” Journal of Youth Studies, vol. 25, no. 6, pp. 692–708, 2022, doi: 10.1080/13676261.2021.1994132.

H. L. Ballard, A. J. Lindell, and C. C. Jadallah, “Environmental Education Outcomes of Community and Citizen Science: A Systematic Review of Empirical Research,” Environmental Education Research, vol. 30, no. 6, pp. 1007–1040, 2024, doi: 10.1080/13504622.2024.2348702.

V. M. J. Aeschbach, M. Schwichow, and W. Riess, “Effectiveness of Climate Change Education—A Meta-Analysis,” Frontiers in Education, vol. 10, 2025, doi: 10.3389/feduc.2025.1563816.

M. Olateju and D. Frempong, “Sustainability-Driven STEM Education: A Project-Based Model for Teaching Climate Science in Urban High Schools,” Journal of Education and Practice, vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 125–164, 2022.

W. Amananti, “Anyone Can Be a Scientist: Constructions of Expertise and Citizenship in Citizen Science Literacy Activities,” Journal of Science and Society, vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 7823–7830, 2024.

U. A. Gusti, N. Hamidah, T. Hidayat, and others, “Analysis of Senior High School Students’ Understanding of Citizen Science Projects in Indonesia,” Conference on Religion and Education Studies, March 2024.

M. A. Queiruga-Dios, E. Lopez-Inesta, M. Diez-Ojeda, M. C. Saiz-Manzanares, and J. B. V. Dorrio, “Citizen Science for Scientific Literacy and the Attainment of Sustainable Development Goals in Formal Education,” Sustainability, vol. 12, no. 10, 2020, doi: 10.3390/su12104283.

M. Muller, V. van den Bogaert, M. Foss-Jahn, P. Klein, J. Lorke, and T. Bruckermann, “What Factors Affect the Implementation of Citizen Science in Secondary School Science Classrooms? A Scoping Review,” International Journal of Science Education Part B: Communication and Public Engagement, pp. 1–20, 2025, doi: 10.1080/21548455.2025.2462797.

Z. Chaniotou, C. Bardi, and M. Georgiou, “Climate Change as a Socio-Scientific Issue in Science Education: A Systematic Review,” Applied Education Review, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 73–85, 2025.

E. Feldbacher, M. Waberer, L. Campostrini, and G. Weigelhofer, “Identifying Gaps in Climate Change Education: A Case Study in Austrian Schools,” International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education, vol. 33, no. 2, pp. 109–124, 2024, doi: 10.1080/10382046.2023.2214042.

D. Poimenidis, G. Ioannidou, and S. Poimenidou, “Bridging Climate Science and Literacy Education: Policy and Pedagogical Strategies for Primary Schools,” International Studies in Education and Humanities Journal, vol. 2544, pp. 1–9, 2025, doi: 10.5281/zenodo.15795889.

A. Strachan and A. Markwick, “Using a Scoping Review to Inform a Planetary-Conscious Pedagogical Approach to Primary Science Education,” Research in Science Education, vol. 55, no. 4. Springer Netherlands, 2025, doi: 10.1007/s11165-025-10280-y.




DOI: https://doi.org/10.26877/lpt.v4i3.25078

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2025 Lontar Physics Today

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.


Copyright of Lontar Physics Today  ISSN 2828-0970 (online)


Gedung Utama GU.2.01 FPMIPATI, Universitas PGRI Semarang
Jl. Lontar No. 1-Dr. Cipto, Kampus 1 UPGRIS, Semarang
Email:  lontarphysicstoday@upgris.ac.id

View My Stats