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

Can You Name this Paw Print?

A citizen science program documents the movement of six species in the mountain ranges and river valleys of northern New Mexico helping create wildlife corridors. For more wildlife related citizen science projects, visit SciStarter. by Sharman Apt Russel   Wild animals glide so easily through the landscape, into bushes and leaves, up trees, around corners, even … Read more “Can You Name this Paw Print?”

Categories: Animals, Citizen Science, Nature & Outdoors

Dragonfly Watch – Find Those Fast and Furious Insects!

“I’m an aquatic entomologist, and dragonflies and damselflies are the most colorful and noticeable insects in the habitats in which I work,” says Dr. Celeste A. Searles Mazzacano, a staff scientist and Aquatic Conservation Director at the Xerces Society. In her role as the project coordinator for the Migratory Dragonfly Partnership, she continues to add … Read more “Dragonfly Watch – Find Those Fast and Furious Insects!”

Categories: Citizen Science, Insects, Nature & Outdoors

DIYBio and Open Science Changed My Life (And Could Change Yours)

Milo Toor, a software engineer writes about his experience with DIYBio and Counter Culture Labs. You can find more information about Counter Culture Labs and search for other DIYBio projects on the SciStarter citizen science project database. Counter Culture Labs is a 100% volunteer-run, membership funded organization, and is currently running a Kickstarter campaign, funds from which will … Read more “DIYBio and Open Science Changed My Life (And Could Change Yours)”

Categories: Biology, Citizen Science, Do-It-Yourself