Unique Mappers of Nigeria and SciStarter: A Collaborative Journey in Citizen Science

As I reflect on the incredible journey of the Unique Mappers Network of Nigeria and SciStarter’s role in supporting their efforts, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement. The story of our collaboration is one of grassroots empowerment, global citizen science, and a shared commitment to making a measurable difference in the world. I am unbelievably … Read more “Unique Mappers of Nigeria and SciStarter: A Collaborative Journey in Citizen Science”

Categories: Citizen Science, Events

A man and a woman sit on the ground, both looking at a phone, ostensibly at a photo that was just taken. Rectangular tubs, one with vegetation, nets and a field guide are on the ground. The man is pointing to something on the phone. Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

MacroBlitz: Explore Freshwater Ecosystems and Contribute to Science by Tracking Macroinvertebrates

Freshwater macroinvertebrates. While not a household name, we’ve all experienced their impact. Ever swat a mosquito? Watched a dragonfly swoop by? Walked through a swarm of midges? Then you have seen a freshwater macroinvertebrate – albeit in its adult, terrestrial form.  Freshwater macroinvertebrates are organisms that live in freshwater (lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and wetlands) … Read more “MacroBlitz: Explore Freshwater Ecosystems and Contribute to Science by Tracking Macroinvertebrates”

Categories: Citizen Science, Environment, Project Profile

Empowering Lung Cancer Patients through Citizen Science

This is a guest blog post by a citizen science project leader. Have you been diagnosed with lung cancer? Or are you a family member or friend of someone who has been diagnosed? Then we – the LUNGevity Foundation – would like to invite you to join our new study: Project PEER. By getting involved, … Read more “Empowering Lung Cancer Patients through Citizen Science”

Categories: Citizen Science, Project Profile

Healthy People/Healthy Planet

Keeping people healthy also means keeping our environment free of pollutants and limiting our exposure to disease-causing microbes. In this issue of the SciStarter newsletter, we highlight projects that need your help researching and improving human and environmental health. Try one or all of them this month, as we commemorate Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Pollution Prevention Week (Sept. … Read more “Healthy People/Healthy Planet”

Categories: Citizen Science, Ecology & Environment, Environment, Health, Ocean & Water

Take Flight with Flyways: Libraries and Others Across the Nation Soar into Bird Citizen Science

SciStarter and HHMI Tangled Bank Studios have joined forces to create the Flyways Citizen Science Program, an initiative that aims to engage communities worldwide in the study and conservation of migratory birds.  By visiting the Flyways page on SciStarter, anyone, anywhere in the world can learn more about the Flyways film, discover how to screen … Read more “Take Flight with Flyways: Libraries and Others Across the Nation Soar into Bird Citizen Science”

Categories: Birds, Citizen Science, Flyways, libraries

Photo of sleepy dog

What Goes On Inside the Mind of a Dog?

From the first time a curious wolf approached fearful humans and managed to befriend them, dogs have been a big part of the human experience. For over 15,000 years, they’ve been our co-workers and companions. Since then, we’ve learned a lot about dogs and our relationship to them (as you’ll learn if you watch Inside the … Read more “What Goes On Inside the Mind of a Dog?”

Categories: Animals, Biology, Citizen Science, Featured Projects, Other

Photo of parade in New Zealand from 1916, with cars from the period and onlookers.

Make History With Citizen Science!

Citizen science can be a time machine, with projects that transport you to the past through fragile photographs, ancient artifacts, and hand-written records. In some cases, these items tell stories, filling in missing pieces of our history. Sometimes they hold secrets that may prove to be vital to our future. Why not make some history … Read more “Make History With Citizen Science!”

Categories: Archeology, Citizen Science, Ecology & Environment, Environment, Nature & Outdoors, Other

Dive Into Summer Citizen Science

It’s July, ideal for cooling off with marine science exploration. In that spirit, here’s some wet and wild science research that needs your help. Sharks Are Jawsome! Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the television, it’s Shark Mania Season! If the wall to wall shark viewing frenzy puts you in … Read more “Dive Into Summer Citizen Science”

Categories: Animals, Biology, Citizen Science, Ecology & Environment, Environment, Nature & Outdoors, Ocean & Water, Other

A firefly flashes on a black background

SciStarter Podcast: Sensations of Summer

Every season has its own unique sights, sounds and other sensations. In this episode of the SciStarter podcast, we look at fireflies, listen to cicadas, feel the ocean waves and extend our senses beyond the bounds of our planet. Audio Podcast Video Podcast Credits: Firefly Closeup Terry Priest CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED Surfing Beach Video … Read more “SciStarter Podcast: Sensations of Summer”

Categories: Animals, Astronomy & Space, Biology, Citizen Science, Ecology & Environment, Featured Projects, Insects, Nature & Outdoors, Ocean & Water, podcast, videos

Dragonfly sitting on a stalk of wheat

Days of Dragonflies, Fireflies and Fly Fishing

It’s the season for emergences, whether you’re a dragonfly, firefly, periodical cicada or fly fishing enthusiast! The warm weather brings a variety of citizen science opportunities, some of them fleeting, so we hope you can get outdoors and experience the wonders of nature with your friends and family, and help document them for the many … Read more “Days of Dragonflies, Fireflies and Fly Fishing”

Categories: Animals, Biology, Citizen Science, Ecology & Environment, Environment, Insects, Nature & Outdoors, Newsletter, Ocean & Water, Other