The Lure of the Redwood Forest

Walking through Purisima Creek Redwoods Reserve in northern California, I am the paparazzi of Western sword ferns (Polystichum munitum). When I find one, I stop and click, click, click my smartphone photos and then approach boldly for a closer look. Are new leaves emerging as curled fronds or fiddleheads? Are there round spots called sori—reproductive … Read more “The Lure of the Redwood Forest”

Categories: Citizen Science, Ecology & Environment, Nature & Outdoors, Project Profile

Citizen Science Isn’t Just About Collecting Data

Nonscientists should take part in discussions about research priorities and more. This article, Citizen Science Isn’t Just About Collecting Data, originally appeared in Slate AUG. 15 2016 7:31 AM. The earthquake near Washington, D.C., five years ago in August 2011—the one that damaged the Washington Monument and the National Cathedral but had little other noticeable impact—caught … Read more “Citizen Science Isn’t Just About Collecting Data”

Categories: In the News, Other

Celebrate National Parks with Citizen Science

Photo: NPS Celebrate the National Parks with Citizen Science On August 25, the United States National Park Service turns 100! The park system provides many excellent citizen science opportunities to visitors. Below, you’ll find five great national park projects. Find even more projects with the SciStarter Global Project Finder. Cheers! The SciStarter Team

Categories: Apps, Citizen Science, Ecology & Environment, Nature & Outdoors, Newsletter

Conference Session: “Citizen Science 2.0: Expanding Reach, Expanding Results”

We all know that scientific research is done in sterile labs by nerds in white lab coats, the results of which eventually makes its way to the public through government agencies or mega corporations who own the ‘science’.  If you’ve not paid your dues in academia to get the appropriate science degrees, your capacity to … Read more “Conference Session: “Citizen Science 2.0: Expanding Reach, Expanding Results””

Categories: Citizen Science, Events, libraries

Meteor Hunters Track Fireballs in the Night Sky

Have you ever glanced up at the night sky, at just the right moment, and seen a streak of bright light dart across the heavens and disappear? The next time you do, instead of making a wish upon the “shooting star” (or maybe just after making your wish), consider reporting your observation to the American … Read more “Meteor Hunters Track Fireballs in the Night Sky”

Categories: Citizen Science, Project Profile

Call for Citizen Science Abstracts: American Geophysical Union

Consider submitting abstracts to two exciting education sessions being offered at the Fall American Geophysical Union (AGU) Meeting in San Francisco, December 12-16, 2016 (http://fallmeeting.agu.org/2016/). Abstracts may be submitted at http://fallmeeting.agu.org/2016/abstract-submissions/. The deadline for abstract submission is August 3, 2016 at 23:59 EDT. If you are not a member of AGU, an AGU member may sponsor you to submit an … Read more “Call for Citizen Science Abstracts: American Geophysical Union”

Categories: Citizen Science, Citizen Science News, Events

Citizen Science takes a bite out of Natural Disasters

Photo:USFWS Collectively, your small acts lead to big results. Natural disasters, like earthquakes, tornados, and landslides, are frightening and deadly. There are small, but important, steps citizen scientists can take to help predict and respond to these occurrences.Our editors have selected five exemplary projects, below. Be sure to read the safety warnings when applicable. Find … Read more “Citizen Science takes a bite out of Natural Disasters”

Categories: Apps, Citizen Science, Climate & Weather, Nature & Outdoors, Newsletter

Augmented Reality in Citizen Science to Connect with Reality

Fables are fun ways to accept insights into our own lives. Fairy tales are enjoyable ways to inspire hope. Augmented reality games that overlay fantasy directly onto reality are a blast, plus they create a powerful lens to understand ourselves and the world. Citizen science is a lens on the world too. The intersection of … Read more “Augmented Reality in Citizen Science to Connect with Reality”

Categories: Citizen Science, Gaming, Nature & Outdoors, Project Profile