Driven to Discover curriculum

The Driven to Discover curriculum is a step-by-step guide for implementing this full-scale program in your setting. With activity instructions for teachers and/or adult leaders and companion materials for youth, these resources coach you through the process of using citizen science experiences as a springboard into full science investigations.

Tailored to your setting

All versions of the curricula contain:

• Lesson plans for developing the necessary science skills for studying the subject of the chosen citizen science program.

• Instructions for collecting and submitting data for the respective citizen science project.

• Step-by-step guidance for planning and implementing science investigations with helpful background information on the process of science.

We then have resources for the specific setting in which you will be leading the program.

Curriculum designed for youth programs

• Facilitator’s Guide with lesson plans, step-by-step guidance and a variety of tips and resources. 

• The Investigator’s Field Journals, a cross between a workbook and a lab manual, with youth-appropriate reflection exercises and worksheets for implementing citizen science and investigations. We recommend providing one copy for each youth participant.

• Loads of additional resources for non-formal settings (nature centers, museums, etc.), such as tips adult leaders can use to foster positive learning environments, how to prompt scientific thinking, advice on how to start a Driven to Discover club in your area, and much more!

NOTE: We offer two versions of both of these resources. One set includes details on implementing the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project; the other set includes details on implementing the eBird citizen science project. All contain resources on the process of science and engaging youth effectively.

Curriculum designed for classrooms

• Lesson plans to strengthen student's data literacy skills

• Lesson plan exploring "Science Behind the Scenes" through adaptive primary scientific literature

• Assessment recommendations

• Exercises to support constructing scientific explanations using evidence, claims and reasoning.

NOTE: We offer four versions of this resource, one each for citizen science projects about pollinators, phenology, birds, and dragonflies.