A sample citizen science project: Cross-stitched tree graphing the temperature of each day during 2023
Everyone can be a scientist, including you and your patrons! April is Citizen Science Month and there are so many ways to participate.
You may wonder, “What is ‘citizen science’ anyway?” According to the Oxford Dictionary, citizen science is “the collection and analysis of data relating to the natural world by members of the general public.” Perhaps you have already participated in a citizen science activity such as tracking the temperature or precipitation, collecting data on the birds or butterflies in your backyard, making observations about the plant life in your area, or photographing the night sky. If so, you’re already a citizen scientist!
Here are some links to resources to help you learn more about citizen science, become a citizen scientist, and plan citizen science programming for your Wyoming library!
- Citizen Science Month An introduction to citizen and Citizen Science Month
- Wyoming Stem Academy A science camp for students who will be in grades 9-11 during the 2024-2025 school year. (Applications for this opportunity are due April 18.)
- National Geographic Education A list of resources for younger citizen scientists
- Getting Started with Citizen Science An interactive calendar with information and activities for every day in April
- How to Report Your Act of Science Report your Acts of Science to be part of the One Million Acts of Science.
- SciStarter Free promotional materials for Citizen Science Month to help you plan and promote events at your library, as well as instructions on DIY citizen science kits
- U.S. Forest Services Internships -Scroll to the bottom of the webpage to find paid and unpaid opportunities for teens and young adults to work with the U.S. Forest Service.
Everyone can be a scientist, including you and your patrons or students! Check out these resources to help you celebrate Citizen Science Month in your community!