KazNPU Students Introduced to Citizen Science

On April 4, 2025, an open lesson on the topic of "Citizen Science" was held at Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University for 2nd-year students of the 6B01513 - Biology Education program. The event was organized in collaboration with the Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan (ACBK) and the Institute of Natural Sciences and Geography.

The lesson was coordinated by Associate Professor Murat Zhaksybayev, Senior Lecturer and Master Dana Seksenova, and Master Symbat Ibadulla.

During the session, ACBK lead specialist Elmira Mustafina gave an informative lecture on the concept of citizen science, its history, and real-life examples of volunteer involvement in scientific projects. Additionally, ACBK member and young researcher Islam Galymzhanov shared insightful information about wild bee biodiversity and how students can contribute to research in this field as volunteers.

As future biology teachers, students explored the practice of scientific volunteering and discussed ways to involve schoolchildren in this process. At the end of the session, participants worked in small groups to develop and present their own project ideas.

Each student received a "Field Diary" designed for nature observation. The open lesson was held as part of ACBK`s "Students for Nature" project, which aims to foster cooperation with universities across Kazakhstan and to train future professionals in the field of nature conservation.