The aim is to raise awareness among young people about the importance of pollinator biodiversity and to involve them as active participants in scientific processes. In doing so, they gain insights into ecology, species identification, and scientific methods.
Young Citizen Scientists in action
Using standardized protocols and digital tools, students independently conduct surveys on school grounds. They are supported by teachers, experts, and specially developed materials
- Seed of the ReNatura® BW3 Gumpensteiner wildflower mixture, which is provided by Kärntner Saatbau
- Soil thermometer
- Young Researchers' Booklets
- Digital pinboards with upload functions
- Explainer videos and digital project brochure
Students' research tasks
- Site analysis : Documentation of vegetation, landscape elements and soil conditions, soil analysis
- Establishment of the flowering area: Sowing in April 2025
- Documentation of phenological development: sowing, plant development, flowering times, weather, air and soil temperature, identification and photo upload.
- Pollinator monitoring : Identification and counting of pollinators during flowering, photo upload
- Ongoing data collection via interactive digital pinboards
- Contributing to the booklet: Reflection and deepening knowledge
Schools as project partners
- HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein: Mag. Verena Mayer, BEd, Ing. Johannes Rumplmayr, BSc
- Rottenmann North Education Center: Mag. Carmen Mößlacher
- Trieben Middle School: Georg Laserer, BSc, Julia Pachler, MEd
- Ursuline High School: Mag. Annette Schwarhofer, MMMag. Birgit Kopmajer, Mag. Christina Schifferl-Fraundorfer, Mag. Thomas Windisch
- BORG Monsberger: Mag. Steffen Böhm
- BORG Dreierschützengasse: Mag. Daniela Gleichweit, MMag. Thomas Kabas
- BG/BRG Lichtenfels: Mag. Julia Lammer, Mag. Heidelinde Denk
The biology education accompanying study
Accompanying the project, a comprehensive biology education study is being conducted in cooperation with the Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, which investigates how participation in the project changes the environmental awareness , environmental knowledge and the students' connection to nature.
In addition, different test groups are also investigating the effects of the additional use of mindfulness exercises.
The study aims to provide important insights into how Young Citizen Science can be implemented and experienced in the school context within the framework of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
What makes the Young Citizen Science project PolliDiversity special?
The PolliDiversity project exemplifies sustainable education that takes young people seriously – as researchers, as creators, and as future leaders. The combination of citizen science and formal schooling offers the opportunity not only to impart scientific knowledge but also to make it tangible.
The accompanying study in biology education makes an important contribution to understanding how sustainable learning processes can be initiated – and how young people can become reflective, capable actors in dealing with the biodiversity crisis.
Project goals
- Gaining new insights into the development of the ReNatura® BW3 Gumpensteiner wildflower mix at different locations
- Gaining new insights into the flower-visiting insects on the established areas in the first year after sowing
- Raising awareness in the field of biodiversity
- Insights into the long-term effects of nature-based YCS projects on biodiversity conservation with recurring nature contacts and integrated mindfulness exercises
Image gallery for the project
