California Dreaming

Citizen scientists document in collaboration with the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles help document reptiles and amphbians in Southern California to aid in conservation efforts. Find more information about participating in RASCals, the citizen science project on SciStarter and watch out for our herptile themed newsletter! by Sharman Apt Russell This June, I walked … Read more “California Dreaming”

Categories: Amphibians, Animals, Citizen Science, Ecology & Environment, Nature & Outdoors

The Salamander Crossing Brigades: Citizen Science for Salamanders in Southwest New Hampshire

Citizen scientists of the Salamander Crossing Brigades in New Hampshire help thousands of salamanders safely across dangerous roads in their migratory journey to the vernal pools. Find out how they contribute to conservation research by tracking and monitoring the salamanders on an annual basis. Guest post by Brett Amy Thelen Every spring, as the earth thaws and … Read more “The Salamander Crossing Brigades: Citizen Science for Salamanders in Southwest New Hampshire”

Categories: Animals, Citizen Science

NASA and SciStarter enlist citizen scientists for nationwide research that examines soil moisture conditions and water availability

Philadelphia, PA – NASA scientists are on a mission to map global soil moisture, and through SciStarter, they’re teaming up with citizen scientists to gather valuable data from the ground to complement and validate what is seen from space. Known as the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) satellite mission, the research will help scientists understand … Read more “NASA and SciStarter enlist citizen scientists for nationwide research that examines soil moisture conditions and water availability”

Categories: Citizen Science

I Used to Be A Moth Assassin. This is How I Fell In Love With Them

Turn on your porch light at night and bring out your inner citizen scientist. Record observations of moths for National Moth Week and help scientists understand these unique Lepidopterans. Guest post by Sandra Lanman I used to be a moth assassin. I’d grab the swatter or scream for my husband whenever one fluttered erratically inside … Read more “I Used to Be A Moth Assassin. This is How I Fell In Love With Them”

Categories: Animals, Citizen Science, Nature & Outdoors

Shark Week with a twist of citizen science!

It’s Shark Week! Do you know researchers need your help to learn more about these fascinating, underwater creatures? Below, you’ll find five projects to help us learn more about sharks and what we can do to protect them. Join us today at 2:00 PM ET for the next #CitSciChat, a Twitter discussion about citizen science, moderated … Read more “Shark Week with a twist of citizen science!”

Categories: Animals, Citizen Science

Divers Attempt to Solve Mystery of Sevengill Shark Sightings on the Pacific Coast

Diver-citizen scientists help find out why there has been a recent increase in the number of Sevengill Sharks spotted in the San Diego area The first thing the divers noticed upon reaching the bottom was that there were absolutely no fish—anywhere. The lighting, also being strange, lent everything a deserted, eerie feel. But, says diver … Read more “Divers Attempt to Solve Mystery of Sevengill Shark Sightings on the Pacific Coast”

Categories: Animals, Citizen Science

Did you know ‘storm spotters’ in your community help keep you safe during inclement weather?

Civic minded citizen scientists in your community help meteorologists and the National Weather Service stay abreast of inclement weather with on-the-ground data. Earlier this week, the Midwest and Northeast were slammed with tornados and thunderstorms that grounded planes and held up trains. Thousands of people along the Northeast corridor lost power as a result. During … Read more “Did you know ‘storm spotters’ in your community help keep you safe during inclement weather?”

Categories: Citizen Science, Climate & Weather, Newsletter

Citizen Scientists Like You Could Change How We Handle Iraq’s Humanitarian Crisis

By analyzing images taken during times of humanitarian crises, citizen scientists can help refine a tool for data analysis improve relief efforts. A guest post by Megan Passey and Jeremy Othenio. Edited by Arvind Suresh In August 2014, following the fall of Mosul in Iraq, the UN declared the situation a level 3 crisis, the … Read more “Citizen Scientists Like You Could Change How We Handle Iraq’s Humanitarian Crisis”

Categories: Citizen Science, Computers & Technology, Guest Contributor

Celebrate the Summer Solstice with Citizen Science!

Our editors have selected some sizzling citizen science projects in celebration of Summer Solstice on June 21. Several are also appropriate for kids of all ages (keep those minds sharp over the summer break!). And…our friends at Mental Floss featured“15 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About the Summer Solstice,” including this fact: “The Earth is at its furthest … Read more “Celebrate the Summer Solstice with Citizen Science!”

Categories: Citizen Science