Science for Citizens aims to connect the millions of individuals and families who have a curiosity for the natural world with thousands of research projects through a central meeting place.
Organizations ranging from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to the National Wildlife Federation to Cornell University offer programs that are as easy to join as going to their website, signing up and printing out an observation form. But we’ve chosen to highlight Science for Citizens, which connects everyday families with an interest in nature to scientists who need help with their research.
For families looking for ideas on environment-related or other science projects to do with their kids, it is as easy as going to their website and checking boxes related to a child’s interest. Depending on how much time you have, some projects can be very accessible. For example, you can start the morning with your kids by gazing through binoculars at the parade of birds coming to the feeder. Or you take a slow walk with them, stopping to examine orange and purple blossoms starting to explode from plants. Or the family can sit out on the porch at night, listening to a chorus of frogs and describe the various sounds that they make.
If you have a little more time, your family could engage in science that helps researchers learn more about threatened animal species and climate change. The concept or term “citizen science” is based on the idea that researchers need way more information than they can gather by themselves, and if they can get some of that info by tapping into the natural curiosity of people — including kids and families — that would be a win-win situation for everyone.
Science for Citizens cofounder, Darlene Cavalier, understands that not everyone who is interested in science was good at it in school. However, she believes that shouldn’t matter. Science should still be accessible to anyone who is interested, and it’s never too late to take an interest or revisit the subject — especially with one’s kids. One of the core concepts of citizen science is that even people, who are not formally trained in science, should still be able to participate and possibly make a meaningful contribution. Through her organization, families of all experience levels can find fun, recreational and learning-based projects and, if they choose, even pursue those that are of a more serious scientific undertaking.
To get started, just head over to the project finder at: http://scienceforcitizens.net/finder/ where you can search by area or interest. For examples, projects range from Craywatch — wading in streams to tracking invasive crayfish — to NoiseTube. NoiseTube participants install an app on their phones that allows them to track noise pollution. For those in colder climates, IceWatch USA asks families to record how much ice they see on lakes and rivers to help scientists understand climate change. Regardless of how you’d like to support and encourage your kids to take an interest in nature and science, you’re sure to find something fun to do together. To learn more about Science for Citizens, click here!