Citizen Science Experiencesin Data Collection and Interpretation
Citizen science is a way for individuals, classes or volunteer groups to learn about nature, science, and conservation by participating in ongoing scientific studies with research professionals at universities, agencies, and conservation organizations.
Under the guidance of teachers and parents, children can enjoy the sensorywonders of their world while practicing the protocols of scientists in the field.
The following list of citizen science programs introduces a few of the eye opening experiences for classrooms and families.
Audubon Christmas Bird Count
Contribute a local bird count to a national census.
Birds in Forested Landscapes
Monitor habitat changes affecting populations of targeted species inforested landscapes.
Bumblebee Project in SC
Share photographs and location information on five species of bumblebees.
Celebrate Urban Birds
Find out how birds are affected by green space in your city.
Citizen Sky
Join a team to observe a bright star, epsilon Aurigae, in the constellation Auriga.
Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, Snow
Weather watchers measure, record, and report all forms of precipitation.
Cornell Feederwatch
Count birds from your window in winter as they eat at feeders.
eBird
Share sightings of local birds with eBird community.
FrogWatch USA
Volunteer to listen to and report the breeding calls of frogs and toads in yourcommunity.
Great Backyard Bird Count
Participate in an annual national bird census four days each February.
Great Pollinator Project
Become a bee watcher at local flower gardens.
Journey North
Track seasonal changes of plants and animals.
Lost Ladybug Project
Take an inventory of ladybugs to help determine disappearing native species.
Monarch Watch
Tag and track monarch butterflies on their autumn migration to Mexico.
Nature’s Notebook
Monitor the effect of climate change on plants and animals in the United State.
NestWatch
Contribute data to scientists studying the trends in reproductive biology of birds by
observing and reporting nest activity at home.
Operation Rubythroat
Join South Carolina naturalist, Bill Hilton, on expeditions to band and study ruby throated hummingbirds in Central America.
Pigeon Watch
Count pigeons and record courtship behaviors observed in neighborhood pigeon flocks.
Project BudBurst
Track the timing of leafing and flowering of trees and flowers in your climate.
Project Butterfly Wings
Participate in a butterfly census.
Project Squirrel
Report squirrel observations on a seasonal basis.
Rock Around the World
Send a local rock to be compared with rocks on Mars.
The Great Sunflower Project (Bee count)
Plant sunflowers to attract and count native bees.
Viburnum Leaf Beetle Project
Monitor gardens and parks for evidence of the viburnum leaf beetle, a new non-native
invasive pest.
Wildlife Watch
Witness wildlife in your backyard and share observations with others doing the same.
Yard Map
Explore your home or school habitat by mapping your yard