Engaging Primary School Children in Environmental Education Through Citizen Science

Rodrigues, Samuel Perpetuo (2026) Engaging Primary School Children in Environmental Education Through Citizen Science. Masters thesis, Dundalk Institute of Technology.

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Abstract

This dissertation examines approaches to supporting Environmental Education (EE) by engaging primary school pupils in Citizen Science (CS) focused on freshwater conservation. In response to the decline in water quality in Ireland, the study compares two methods: a traditional paper-based approach and a digital approach using a mobile app designed to assist with macroinvertebrate-based water quality monitoring. The research explores how these approaches influence pupils’ engagement and self-efficacy in participating in CS. A quasi-experimental study was carried out in three Irish primary schools, with experimental groups using the app and control groups using paper-based methods. The workshops combined classroom learning with practical activities involving the identification of live macroinvertebrates, enabling pupils to explore their local ecosystems as citizen scientists. Quantitative data were collected on perceived usefulness, ease of use, enjoyment, and behavioural intention, along with adapted measures of scientific self-efficacy. Findings suggest that both approaches promoted engagement and learning. The digital tool showed modest advantages in usability and perceived learning, while the traditional method was associated with a stronger intention to reuse and share the experience. Across both groups, students demonstrated increased confidence in scientific tasks such as identifying, counting, and recording macroinvertebrates. These outcomes indicate that digital tools can complement traditional methods, supporting blended approaches that combine interactivity with collaboration and reflection. This study contributes to research in EE, CS, and educational technology by providing empirical insights into the role of mobile tools in primary education for environmental stewardship. It emphasises the value of involving children as active participants in scientific enquiry and highlights the potential of such initiatives to foster environmental and data literacy. Recommendations are made for the design of digital tools with emotional, collaborative, and linguistic supports, and for the future development of EE through longitudinal and cross-contextual research.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Subjects:	Science
Research Centres:	UNSPECIFIED
Depositing User:	Sean McGreal
Date Deposited:	05 Nov 2026 09:53
Last Modified:	05 Nov 2026 09:53
License:	Creative Commons: Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0
URI:	https://eprints.dkit.ie/id/eprint/1124

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