Category: Citizen Science

Announcing the SciStarter kiosk interface for schools, museums and public areas.

By Darlene Cavalier, Dec 13, 2012

Earlier today, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences hosted “E.O. Wilson’s Global Town Hall,” with biologist Edward Osborne Wilson, University Research Professor Emeritus at Harvard. In anticipation of this exciting event, the museum revamped its Citizen Science Center and added new features. “I am especially pleased that we now offer a SciStarter kiosk in … Read more “Announcing the SciStarter kiosk interface for schools, museums and public areas.”

Categories: Citizen Science, Education

What’s the Score?

By Lily Bui, Dec 10, 2012

The hills are alive with the sound of citizen science (and music)! Calling all music enthusiasts–the Bodleian Libraries are enlisting the help of the public in order to improve access to their music collections. About sixty-four boxes filled with unbound, uncatalogued sheet music from the mid-Victorian period has been digitized for public access. Although this … Read more “What’s the Score?”

Categories: Archeology, Citizen Science, Computers & Technology, Do-It-Yourself, libraries

(Shameless self promotion): What teachers, scientists and citizen scientists are saying about SciStarter.

By Darlene Cavalier, Nov 23, 2012

Sure, we’ve had our fair share of national and international media coverage (Today Show, Discover, Nature, CBS, etc) but what really motivates us is feedback from teachers, researchers and citizen scientists. Here’s what we’ve heard from folks this week: From a teacher via Twitter: “@LindseyOwn: @SciStarter is a blast! My students are basing part of … Read more “(Shameless self promotion): What teachers, scientists and citizen scientists are saying about SciStarter.”

Categories: Citizen Science

Report finds citizen science is of “high value to research, policy and practice”.

By Darlene Cavalier,

Mark Kinver, an environment reporter at BBC News, reports on a review of more than 230 citizen science projects. The authors of the review concluded involvement of volunteers offers “high value to research, policy and practice”. They also published a Guide To Citizen Science offering advice on how to set up a successful citizen science … Read more “Report finds citizen science is of “high value to research, policy and practice”.”

Categories: Citizen Science, CitSci Research

Now LIVE! SciStarter Citizen Science Contest with Instructables and Discover Magazine!

By Darlene Cavalier, Nov 16, 2012

Millions of everyday people are helping scientists discover galaxies, measure climate change, track species, monitor air and water pollution, and more through citizen science projects featured on SciStarter. However, like all scientific research, project organizers and participants often run into challenges that can slow progress or limit data collection. Now, you can help! SciStarter, in … Read more “Now LIVE! SciStarter Citizen Science Contest with Instructables and Discover Magazine!”

Categories: Citizen Science

Be a Data Detective!

By Lily Bui, Nov 14, 2012

Have you ever thought of yourself as the sum of your actions? What about the sum of years you've been alive, the number of hairs on your head, or how many times a day you brush your teeth? Our lives can be broken down into endless categories of quantifiable data. With these tiny, incremental details, what could an outside observer piece together to learn about the big picture that is your life? … Read more

Categories: Citizen Science

What tools and technologies can power new frontiers for citizen science?

By Darlene Cavalier, Nov 10, 2012

At SciStarter, we’re see exciting new citizen science opportunities with the development of new online tools and platforms. We’re trying to understand and map out the useful features of different platforms, and know that many of you have questions, experiences, and insights about this topic as well. Over the next few days, we’re interested in … Read more “What tools and technologies can power new frontiers for citizen science?”

Categories: Citizen Science

It’s Raining, It’s Pouring, But You Won’t Be Snoring: Weather-Related Citizen Science Projects!

By Lily Bui, Oct 29, 2012

With  Hurricane Sandy looming large, weather’s the nation’s top news story.  In case you’re at home sitting out the storm like the bulk of the SciStarter team, we’ve got you covered (no pun intended) with plenty of weather-related citizen science opportunities to help researchers and advance science. Bonus: here’s a weather-appropriate, musical supplement to your … Read more “It’s Raining, It’s Pouring, But You Won’t Be Snoring: Weather-Related Citizen Science Projects!”

Categories: Citizen Science, Climate & Weather, Ecology & Environment, Geology & Earth Sciences, Nature & Outdoors, Ocean & Water