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Short Abstract

This study applies a Theory of Change to assess how school-based river monitoring in Armenia affects students’ water-related knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. It shows that citizen science raises awareness and knowledge, but lasting behavioral change needs longer-term engagement.

Abstract

Citizen science has gained growing recognition over the past decade for its contributions to research and policy, yet its social impacts on participants—such as students, teachers, and local communities—remain underexplored (Stevenson et al., 2021; Wehn et al., 2021; Carroll et al., 2025). Understanding how citizen science influences knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors is crucial for assessing its broader impact in promoting environmental stewardship and education.

This study employs a Theory of Change approach (Anderson, 2005) to investigate how citizen science interventions for measuring river water quality influence pro-environmental behavioral change in school communities in Gegharkunik Province, Armenia. Nine schools participated in the “RIVERS” project (Recording Impacts on Vital Ecosystems through Responsible Water Stewardship), implemented within the EU-funded OTTERS project and supported by the ProBleu initiative. Over a period of 4–5 months, students and teachers engaged in water monitoring fieldwork.

The objective of the study was to examine whether citizen science can foster cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes towards water. Research questions addressed interest in STEM subjects, peer relationships, environmental care and awareness, knowledge acquisition, behavior shifts, and the development of a sense of agency.

A mixed-methods approach combined pre- and post-surveys with students and teachers, interviews with teachers, and student focus group discussions. This design enabled a comprehensive assessment of changes linked to participation in citizen science.

Findings suggest that citizen science activities in schools can foster positive shifts in knowledge, attitudes, and engagement with local environmental issues, highlighting the potential of such initiatives to contribute to both science and society.