National Science Week kicks off this weekend, and we're all being urged to don the safety glasses and get involved. If you haven't touched a bunsen burner since high school, never fear — there are plenty of ways for those of us with limited scientific knowledge to take part.

'Citizen science' sees ordinary people collecting data for major scientific projects. And while it's got a bad rap from some in the scientific community, many more say citizen science has an important role to play in the advancement of global knowledge.

Guests

Julia Coggins - Park Manager, Yanchep National Park

Will Stock - Professor of Environmental management, Edith Cowan University

Dr Phillip Roetman - Research Fellow, University of South Australia

Reporter: Claire Nichols