Spot-a-Bee: Mapping the Urban Bee Garden

This is a guest blog post from the Spot-a-Bee project. In these challenging times, when we are spending more time in our homes and neighbourhoods than many of us may have imagined possible, we at Spot-a-Bee have worked to develop a family learning approach, centred around the Spot-a-Bee citizen science project. The Spot-a-Bee project was … Read more “Spot-a-Bee: Mapping the Urban Bee Garden”

Categories: Education, Guest Contributor, Insects, Nature & Outdoors

#BlackInNature: How Young Scientists are Pushing for Equality

Deja Perkins loved animals growing up. And by the time she left her native Chicago to attend Tuskegee University in Alabama, she wanted to become a veterinarian, often the only animal-related career introduced to people of color, she says. But it didn’t take long before Perkins realized she’d rather study animals in the natural world. … Read more “#BlackInNature: How Young Scientists are Pushing for Equality”

Categories: Birds, Citizen Science, Nature & Outdoors, Other

To Fight Plastic Pollution, These Researchers Want Your Pictures of Beach Trash

Plastic pollution in our oceans is a major, on-going global crisis. Researchers estimate that 8 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year. Much of the plastic is dumped carelessly, on land or in rivers, and then carried or blown into the sea. Nearly 700 species, including endangered ones, are already known … Read more “To Fight Plastic Pollution, These Researchers Want Your Pictures of Beach Trash”

Categories: Animals, Citizen Science, Nature & Outdoors, Other

How Counting Caterpillars Can Help Scientists Understand Climate Change

Kids and adults both coo at the sight of a crawling caterpillar. We imagine that this hungry caterpillar may flutter past someday as a beautiful butterfly. Caterpillars and other insects with segmented bodies are called arthropods. And scientists need your help with a citizen science project aimed at understanding how these insects’ populations are changing. … Read more “How Counting Caterpillars Can Help Scientists Understand Climate Change”

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

Earth Day Activities: These Science Projects Get You Outside Virtually

Today marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, a time of year when many people by get outside to take part in community clean ups and environmental celebrations. But this year is different. Schools and parks have closed, and we’re left to celebrate while social distancing. This list of citizen science activities and projects can … Read more “Earth Day Activities: These Science Projects Get You Outside Virtually”

Categories: Animals, Citizen Science, EarthSchool, Ecology & Environment

Citizen Science is for Lovers!

It’s almost Valentine’s Day. Cuddle up with these five projects–and one book–that we love! They are waiting for you with open arms. Xoxo, The SciStarter Team

Categories: Birds, Newsletter

“How To” Become a Citizen Scientist in Minutes

Virtually join a SCUBA diver as she takes a fish survey. Watch scientists explain the goals of their research, how YOU can get involved, and what they’ll do with the data you collect. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the videos we feature below. You’ll discover how you can become a citizen scientist, in minutes! Nature TV and … Read more ““How To” Become a Citizen Scientist in Minutes”

Categories: book, Citizen Science, Do-It-Yourself, Featured Projects, Insects, Newsletter, videos

Project MartinRoost: A Scavenger Hunt in Your Backyard

This post is part of a collaboration between SciStarter and Career in STEM, in which writers spotlight different citizen science projects, interview project leaders about their careers, and create educational content for teachers and students. This series is available on the Science Connected, Career in STEM, SciStarter, and Discover Magazine blog platforms.  Click to jump … Read more “Project MartinRoost: A Scavenger Hunt in Your Backyard”

Categories: Birds, Citizen Science, EarthSchool, Project Profile

Five ways your dog can do science. Woof!

We’re in the dog days of summer, and National Dog Day is August 26. You and your dog can celebrate by doing a little science together (that’s right!)…and help researchers in the process. Cheers! The SciStarter Team

Categories: Animals, Newsletter