SPLASSH: A Collaborative Web-Based Application That Crowdsources Environmental Data in Real Time

AbstractSPLASSH (Student Programs Like Aquatic Science Sampling Headquarters, https://splassh.org) is a collaborative web-based application that crowdsources environmental data in real time. Originally launched in 2014, SPLASSH beta version 1.0 was designed to showcase water projects conducted by students. Through its development, it has broadened its reach from students to educators (formal and informal), researchers, resource managers, science professionals, and the public (citizen scientists). SPLASSH's beta version 2.0 (Patent Pending) has an innovative, customizable environmental tracker and project management capabilities that foster community building through collaboration. SPLASSH offers the public an opportunity to contribute more than just data to an existing project. It encourages citizens to play a lead role by initiating their own projects, truly validating and broadening the definition of citizen science. Learning and project outcomes will be measured for their impact and effectiveness.