For your initial post, address the following: 
 

1. Introduce yourself to the class by sharing a bit about yourself. This might include your preferred name and pronouns, hobbies, where you are from, your major, or whatever you are comfortable sharing. 

• Create a brief bio to assist your instructor and peers in getting to know you better 
  
   

2. How has STEM influenced or impacted your life? 

Guiding Questions:

• How has STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) changed the way you think, learn, and solve problems?
• How do you use technology daily? (communication, organization, information access, etc.)

• What has STEM helped you to better understand? 
  
   

  
   

3. Discuss a scientific issue impacting your community: 
 

What questions and concerns do you have about this issue? 

Guiding Question:

• What would you like to understand better about your topic? 

For example: 

• What specific pollutants are most common in my area?
• How do pollution levels change throughout the day or year?
• Which groups of people are most at risk?
• What long-term health effects could result from continued exposure? 
   

How is this issue impacting your community?  

Guiding Question:

• What are some health or quality of life effects your issue has on those within your community?

For example: 

• It can increase the number of hospital visits for breathing problems.
• It may also limit outdoor activities
• It can contribute to chronic health conditions 
   

 How could participating in citizen science contribute to your understanding of the issue and benefit your community?

Guiding Question:

What does citizen science look like when applied within your community? 

For example: 

• Allows for the collection and analysis of data
• Enables tracking to reveal patterns
• Enhances awareness  

You must address the following: 



 

1. Describe your chosen topic. 
 
Include the most relevant data and information in your description. 

Guiding Questions:
 

• Where does it come from? What causes it? 

For example: Air pollution comes from sources such as vehicle emissions and factories. (US EPA, 2023). 

• Why is the issue harmful?   

For example: Air pollution causes toxic chemicals such as sulfur dioxide to be present within our environment. 

• What are the potential negative effects caused by the issue? 

For example: One of the most dangerous types is small enough to enter the lungs and bloodstream, causing serious health problems (US EPA, 2023). 

• How many people does it affect? 

For example: In the United States, about 156 million people live in areas with unhealthy air quality... (National Institutes of Health, 2025).  

2. Explain your rationale for selecting the topic you chose.

Guiding Questions: 

• Why are you interested in the topic?
• What do you find interesting about the topic?
• Have you been affected by this issue?
• Is it an issue that is openly discussed regularly?
• How does the issue relate to STEM? 

For example: I chose air pollution because it directly affects everyday life.  It’s especially relevant in urban areas where traffic and industrial activity are common. I selected this topic because it connects science to real-world problems, including health, climate change, and public policy. Air pollution impacts both human health and the environment. 

3. Explain how the topic impacts equity, social justice, and/or environmental justice. 

Guiding Questions:

• Are there groups or populations that this issue affects more than others?
• Are there groups or populations more at risk of experiencing the adverse effects posed by your issue?
• Are there areas that have increased occurrences or consequences related to your topic? 

For example: Air pollution is not distributed equally. Certain groups, especially low-income communities and people of color, are more likely to live near highways, factories, or industrial areas. These communities experience higher rates of asthma and other health problems (American Lung Association, 2024). This creates an environmental justice issue. Addressing air pollution is a social justice issue. 

4. Describe how you would communicate information about the topic to someone who is not familiar with the topic. 

Guiding Question:

• How would you describe your topic, its causes, and effects to someone who may be unfamiliar with it? 

For example: Air pollution is dirty or harmful air that can make people sick. It can be caused by car exhaust or smoke from fires. Some forms of pollution are so small that they can enter your lungs and bloodstream, which is why they are dangerous. Air quality can affect breathing, outdoor activities, and overall health.