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Abstract
Citizen science enables the public to contribute to research through data collection and information sharing, while fostering learning and environmental engagement. Kamnoetvidya Science Academy (KVIS), in Wangchan District, Rayong Province, is surrounded by diverse habitats, including orchards and nearby forests such as Khao Khun In, providing an ideal setting for biodiversity exploration. This study evaluated the effects of the “KVIS Explorer” activity on students’ participation in citizen science and their knowledge and attitudes towards biodiversity. The activity was conducted during pre-sessional camps in May 2024 and 2025, involving 59 and 67 grade 10 students, respectively. Students worked in groups of 5–6 to survey organisms across the school, recording observations on the iNaturalist platform. In 2024, students contributed 310 observations (68% plants, 18% invertebrates, 11% vertebrates, 2% fungi), and in 2025, 237 observations (48% plants, 35% invertebrates, 7% vertebrates, 6% fungi). Research-graderecords accounted for 29% in2024and 16% in 2025, while frequently observed species included Tridax daisies (Tridax procumbens), Banana trees (Musa ssp.), and Tokay geckos (Gekko gecko). Student feedback showed positive attitudes, with satisfaction scores of 4.56 ± 0.76 in 2024 and 4.26 ± 0.88 in 2025, and self-reported knowledge gains of 4.61 ± 0.73 and 4.43 ± 0.72, respectively. In 2025, a pre- and post-test with six questions, including images of local flora and fauna, revealed a significant increase in biodiversity knowledge (paired t-test, t = 11.19, p < 0.01). Notably, 24 students from 2024 and 9 from 2025 continued using iNaturalist independently, contributing 92 additional records in total, indicating sustained engagement. These findings show that the KVIS Explorer activity enhanced biodiversity documentation, fostered learning, and promoted further participation in citizen science. Combining hands-on exploration with digital tools effectively supports engagement with biodiversity and citizen science in school settings.
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