Training High School Student "Citizen Scientists" to Document School Water Access: A Feasibility Study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Environmental Health
• Citizen Science

Background:

• Inadequate youth water consumption is linked to increased dental caries and body mass index (BMI).
• Schools are mandated to provide potable water, but self-reported data may overestimate actual access.
• Student citizen scientists offer a novel approach to gather reliable data on school water sources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of using high school students as citizen scientists for collecting observational data on school water sources.
• To evaluate the quality and utility of student-collected data for understanding water access in schools.

Main Methods:

• Trained 12 teams of high school students on a validated photo-evidence protocol for data collection.
• Students photographed and submitted data on water sources in elementary and secondary schools.
• Surveyed students and advisors to gauge learning, feasibility, and advisor burden.

Main Results:

• Data from 325 water sources across 40 diverse schools were collected and analyzed using student photographs (99% usability).
• Student-collected data effectively measured water source wear, cleanliness, accessibility, and flow.
• The majority of students (72%) spent under 2 hours per school, and most participants found the project valuable and feasible.

Conclusions:

• High school students can successfully employ photographic methods to collect valid data on school water sources.
• This citizen science model provides a feasible, scalable, and cost-effective means to gather crucial data on water access in educational settings.