Send message to Authors

Short Abstract

Over 27,000 Danish students joined a citizen science project to uncover hidden biodiversity (mosses, lichens, tardigrades). They recorded 8,472 findings, including new species for science and Denmark, greatly expanding biodiversity data and showing how students can advance science and awareness.

Abstract

Biodiversity is all around us, yet much of it remains invisible to the naked eye, especially microscopic organisms living in everyday environments. This “dark biodiversity” often goes unnoticed despite its critical ecological roles. Here, we present a nationwide citizen science initiative in Denmark that engaged >27,000 students from middle and high schools in hands-on research to reveal this hidden biodiversity. The project, implemented through collaboration between the national natural science center Astra and the Natural History Museum of Denmark, to foster scientific literacy, make local biodiversity visible, and collect authentic ecological data on mosses, lichens, and tardigrades. A total of 1,271 classes from 443 schools across 95 municipalities participated, achieving nationwide coverage across all regions. Through hands-on fieldwork and laboratory activities, students uncovered and documented with a mobile app this unseen world, generating a robust dataset of 8,472 species records. These include 57 moss species, 44 lichens, and 49 tardigrade morphospecies –five of which are new to science– while also increasing the Danish tardigrade list from 5 to 49 species. Student engagement was notably high, driven by motivations to contribute meaningfully to science, curiosity, and the opportunity to spend time outdoors. Samples were verified by experts and incorporated into national biodiversity databases and museum collections, ensuring lasting scientific value. This project demonstrates how large-scale, school-based citizen science can uncover hidden biodiversity while engaging students in meaningful ecological research. By aligning educational aims with scientific goals, the project produced valuable biodiversity data and fostered deeper connections between young people and nature.