Integrating Citizen Science into the classroom – Students contribute to DNA Barcoding research and biodiversity conservation

Biodiversity conservation is one of the major challenges of our time. Since biodiversity is threatened on a global scale, its heritage for future generations is at risk. Recent reports about the decline of insect diversity point to the extent of this crisis. Reducing biodiversity loss and the achieving sustainability goals, requires an understanding about the main causes, focusing on anthropogenic activities and interferences. Therefore, biodiversity education may function as a key element of education for sustainable development. By incorporating the IBSE and RRI approach in our learning module, we enable students not only to learn about but also to contribute to real-life environmental research. Our learning module FutureForest covers a range of topics concerning biodiversity by focusing on the forest ecosystem. It provides the concept of biodiversity by exploring its three levels, which are species diversity, ecosystem diversity and genetic diversity. Furthermore, the module addresses questions and problems on the value of biodiversity (in terms of eco-system services), its assessment as well as its endangerment and conservation. Additionally, FutureForest aligns with the Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) approach. In cooperation with the Bavarian State Collection of Zoology in Munich, we have integrated a citizen science project into a classroom setting. The Munich scientists are part of the International Barcode of Life Project (iBOL), the largest biodiversity genomics initiative so far. By collecting forest soil samples, which will be DNA-barcoded, the participating students have the opportunity to actively take part in real scientific research.