Student-Driven Coastal Monitoring through Low-Cost Open Source Devices: SECOSTA's Citizen Science Experience Integrating Technology and Education
Authors: Herrada E. Alejandro , Puigdefàbregas Joan , Villalonga-Llauger Joan , Gomis Damià , Jordà Gabriel 
Published: March 2024

Although the term 'Citizen Science' was coined in 1989 [Kerson, 1989], it gained momentum in 2009, when it first appeared in academic papers [Bergerot, 2022]. Over the past decade, a paradigm shift has occurred driven by the widespread adoption of mobile devices, DIY sensors, and open data platforms. These elements act as catalysts to democratize science with a significant impact on environmental monitoring [Coulson et al., 2021; Brenton et al, 2018]. In this context, the SECOSTA project emerged in 2018 as a pioneering citizen science initiative with a dual mission: (i) educating high school students about the impact of the climate crisis on coastal regions and (ii) actively engaging them in scientific research to fill observational gaps in coastal oceanography.SECOSTA involves the development of low-cost instrumentation based on ARDUINO open-source technology to collect crucial data for understanding coastal oceanography. After an initial phase in which educators are trained to guide students in constructing these devices, teachers initiate cross-disciplinary educational projects aided by a collection of educational resources selected by the SECOSTA team. Then, students actively participate in hands-on data collection, and their observations undergo rigorous processing, transforming them into valuable supplementary datasets for researchers.We currently offer five distinct devices tailored for secondary schools, each varying in complexity regarding construction and operation. This enables teachers to choose devices that align seamlessly with the characteristics of their participating students and the specific requirements of their educational projects. This inclusive approach has been pivotal to SECOSTA's success, fostering a harmonious partnership among researchers, regional government bodies, and secondary schools. The initiative has engaged over 4,000 students from 35 educational institutions. Notably, the SECOSTA2022 Student Conference marked a significant milestone, with over 140 students from 10 schools presenting year-long research findings. The success continued into the SECOSTA2023 Student Conference, where 170 students from 12 schools showcased the ongoing positive impact of the project.Our project exemplifies the practical implementation of technological advancements fostering citizen science initiatives in recent years. By providing secondary school students with accessible equipment, we enable them to actively participate in the scientific exploration and protection of the marine environment. To date, students have made substantial data contributions, including topographic records for 19 Balearic beaches and time-series data on sea level and water temperature, currently under analysis by the research team. This presentation not only unveils SECOSTA's phases, offering valuable insights for implementing citizen science initiatives in secondary schools, but also serves as a testament to SECOSTA's success. Additionally, it delves into the wider implications of marine technology, sparking a global movement where citizens actively contribute to addressing critical issues that threaten our society.