iNaturalist

iNaturalist is a citizen science platform that enables users to observe, document, and identify plants, animals, and other living organisms in their natural environment. Through a mobile application and web interface, students can take photos of species, upload observations, and receive automated or community-based identifications.
The platform supports STEM education by encouraging scientific observation, classification, and data collection in real-world contexts. Students can explore biodiversity, understand ecosystems, and analyse environmental changes through direct interaction with their surroundings.
Within Environment-Based Learning (EBL), iNaturalist is a powerful tool for promoting experiential and inquiry-based learning. It allows students to engage with their local environment as a “living laboratory,” fostering curiosity and critical thinking while developing scientific competences.
The tool is particularly valuable in disadvantaged educational settings, as it requires minimal resources and promotes active participation regardless of students’ academic level. Its visual and interactive nature supports inclusive learning by enabling different forms of engagement and expression.
By contributing to a global database of biodiversity observations, students also develop a sense of environmental responsibility and active citizenship.