Study DETAILS

The “Why” of the Coastal Climate Kids Collective

COVID-19 forced field-based researchers to reconsider possibilities for data generation. Many educational researchers paused their ethnographic studies indefinitely because it was unsafe to engage children in physical spaces. Thus, participant recruitment, retention, and distribution of educative materials to children needed reimagining. Our study with the Coastal Climate Kids Collective was designed to forward alternative ways to remotely conduct place-based science education inquiries with children.

Designed as a comparative multi-sited case study across three coastal communities, we trialled two recruitment efforts: an open call for participation online and a more traditional form–inviting children from partner schools. However, in our study, schools served only as a starting point for connecting to children rather than our primary research site.

All participants received a fall coastal climate kit with supplies to explore the world around them. This included a book, camera, art supplies, and more! When participants mailed or returned some of their creations, they got another kit. This continued across the four seasons of fall, winter, spring, and summer.

This website serves as the portal for our open call for thirty child participants in each of our focal costal communities (Boston, Massachusetts; San Diego, California; and Toronto, Ontario) to join the Coastal Climate Kids Collective. Additionally, this website offers a primary way for children enrolled in the Coastal Climate Kids Collective (as well as guests!) to review the crafts created by their fellow kid ecologists.