The study developed a participatory science project linked to the total solar eclipse that crossed North America in 2024. The team worked with 528 volunteers aged 8 to 80. Participants watched the sky and recorded animal behavior before, during and after the eclipse, and they completed a detailed survey about their experience.
The survey measured three things: the sense of awe during the event, feelings of science belonging (how well people felt they fit in during science activities), and any change in science identity (how much people see science as part of who they are). The researchers tested whether awe could help explain why taking part in the project affected identity and belonging.
Results showed increases in both science identity and science belonging. Awe played a substantial role: people who observed eclipse totality reported significantly greater awe than those who saw only a partial eclipse. Those who recorded unusual animal behavior also reported higher awe, even when they did not know their observations were unusual. The project was hosted on SciStarter and the paper appears in the journal People and Nature.
Difficult words
- participatory — involving many people who take part
- volunteer — person who chooses to help without payvolunteers
- totality — the time when the sun is completely covered
- awe — a strong feeling of respect and wonder
- identity — how people see themselves or their role
- belonging — feeling that you fit in a group
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever felt awe during a natural event? When and why?
- How could taking part in science projects change the way people see science?
- Would you participate in a project like this? Why or why not?
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