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Short Abstract

The InvasiveCitizen project engages students in interactive activities and field data collection to raise awareness of invasive plant species. It helps them explore how human and environmental factors contribute to the distribution of these inavsive species and understand ways to limit their spread.

Abstract

Human activities are a major driver of environmental change, including the introduction and spread of invasive species. The InvasiveCitizen project was designed to raise awareness about invasive plant species in Switzerland while also contributing to data collection and prediction of their spread. The project primarily targeted highschool students through a series of linked workshops. These workshops introduced the concept of invasive species and illustrated how machine learning can be applied to predict their spread. To simplify the concept, students first engaged with a paper-based game to understand how different variables can contribute to species spatial spread, which was later adapted into a board-game to reach a wider audience. In addition to classroom activities, students participated in field data collection using a dedicated mobile application developed for the project. The app provided real-time feedback on the probability of observing an invasive plant species in a given location, helping students connect the predictive classroom game to real-world applications. This feedback also served as a preliminary validation tool for collected data. Additionally, during the field trip, students participated in eradication activities for some of the observed plants. The workshop's materials were then used as a base to produce an educational kit stored at a science museum for use during school visits. The kit allows students to explore invasive plant species through interactive activities: a board-game to understand spatial spread, a card game addressing origins and ecological, economic, and health impacts, and the data collection app for those interested in contributing to ongoing monitoring.