Maria Li
Biologist
Maker
Educator
Citizen Science Faire 2017: "Sea of Data Adventure"
Citizen Science Faire 2017: "Sea of Data Adventure" is the first-ever citizen science faire in Hong Kong. This is also the first exhibition I curated. The faire featured an exhibition of citizen science projects in Hong Kong, workshops and sharing by citizen scientists. We are actually living in a sea of data, air quality data, water quality data, biodiversity data and health data. We aim to educate the general public that we as citizens can also contribute to creating a better environment by simply gathering data and share the findings.
In the faire, participants got a chance to build an air quality sensor to collect data of PM2.5 and NO2 levels that would be put on an open-access map online. Build algae farm to purify air, hack old android phone into a marine litter tracker, build DIY microscope to explore the microscopic world and generate DNA barcode to identify and map the biodiversity in Hong Kong.
Period: 17-20 Aug 2017
#citizenscience #curation #electronics #arduino #woodwork #bamboo #3Dmodeling
Who: MakerBay Team, Clean Air Network (Partner)
Where: PMQ, Hong Kong
My Role: Curation, project development, exhibitors management, creating contracts, workshop design, developing timelines and schedules, overseeing fabrication and production
Concept & Process
Mood Board
After deciding on the core message of the faire, the main elements of user experience, as well as the tangible interactive objects, are brainstormed and documented in a mood board.
Event Space Design
Step 1 - First Prototype
I construct a 3D model of the first version of event space design based on the "Sea of Data" themes.
Step 2 - Iterate
Working with visual communication designer and architects to iterate the space design with fabric wave top to let visitors immerse themselves in the “sea of data”.
Step 3- 3D Model
Simulate the “wave” installation in a 3D model using Rhino (credit to Aehstudio).
Step 4 - Material Experimentation
Experimenting with materials and various ways to produce the organic wave form.
Workshops Planning
Designing hands-on workshops in making air quality box, algae rack, diy microscope, radioactivity mapping and ocean trash tracker.
Preparing a DIY mobile microscope workshop.
Prototyping an air quality sensor to monitor PM2.5 and CO2.
Production
Fabricating the installations including the Hong Kong Coastal Waste Map, Algae Tower, and the “wave” top.
Fabricating the Hong Kong Coastal Waste Map installtion.
Installation: Algae Tower (by Cesar Jung-Harada)
Outcomes
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Introduce citizen science to around 2000 visitors during the 4 days event
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Curated 9 citizen science projects from Hong Kong, Mainland China and Japan.
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Initiate an indoor air quality (PM2.5) monitoring project in Hong Kong
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In collaboration of a local NGO "Clean Air Network" to do R&D of NO2 detector to monitor roadside air pollution
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Hosted workshops which had more than 30 adults and kids to build air quality and water data collecting devices that contribute data to an existing citizen science project
Air Quality Monitoring Citizen Project in Hong Kong
Raise awareness on air quality through hands-on air quality box making workshops. We bring it beyond the faire by collaborating with Clean Air Network to develop a NO2 sensor to collect real-time roadside air quality data to a wider audience.
Citizen Science Exhibitions & Forum
Curated exhibitions and forum on topics about include air quality monitor- ing, DNA barcoding biodiversity, ocean trash tracking and freshwater watch. Local and overseas speakers were invited to speak about different citizen science projects.
Citizen Science DIY Workshops
Hands-on workshops were designed to allow citizens to build an air quality sensor to collect data of PM2.5 and NO2 levels that would be put on an open-access map online. Build algae farm to purify air, hack old android phone into a marine litter tracker, build DIY microscope to explore the microscopic world and generate DNA barcode to identify and map the biodiversity in Hong Kong.
Media Mentions
Metro Info 新城知訊台節目「阿肥與阿比」：http://www.facebook.com/fatandbe/videos/111433929537122
經濟月刊：
Lessons Learnt.
The most challenging part is managing people, for instance, motivating the team to bring out the optimal synergy and get everyone on the same page. This project is a great opportunity for me to gain experience in learning to lead a team.
Besides, I have a better understanding of my strengths and weaknesses. I found that I do well in teaching and mentoring, and open to possibilities. Yet I need to brush up on my writing and speaking skills as I learned that these are essential tools to get more people to support projects you think that is meaningful.