A raccoon crosses a paved road in the woods.

This Citizen Science Project Is Taking On Roadkill — and Potentially Saving Animals

In the United States, it is estimated that more than one million vertebrate animals are killed by vehicle collisions every day. Yet, despite the ubiquity of roadkill, there is actually little comprehensive data on how many animals are killed by cars every year. The U.S. has no national database for roadkill, and most states don’t … Read more “This Citizen Science Project Is Taking On Roadkill — and Potentially Saving Animals”

Categories: Animals, Citizen Science, Ecology & Environment, Nature & Outdoors, Project Profile

Celebrate Halloween With Citizen Science Projects Featuring ZomBees and More!

Welcome to our annual (spooky) edition of the SciStarter Halloween blog! In the spirit of the season, we’re highlighting five projects that impart science with a healthy dose of frights and scares. But be bold, because your participation also brings critical new data to light and helps advance science everywhere. There’s nothing scary about that! … Read more “Celebrate Halloween With Citizen Science Projects Featuring ZomBees and More!”

Categories: Animals, Environment, Featured Projects, Insects, Nature & Outdoors

Landscape photo of tulip poplar tree and sycamores on a late fall afternoon.

Join Citizen Science Efforts to Preserve Our Forests

With forests being wiped out worldwide by climate change, deforestation, pests and plagues, trees need all the help they can get. In this episode of the SciStarter podcast, we learn about three citizen science projects that monitor and protect trees. Also, with gift-giving season right around the corner, Bob also shares a few of his … Read more “Join Citizen Science Efforts to Preserve Our Forests”

Categories: Citizen Science, Ecology & Environment, Environment, Girl Scouts, Nature & Outdoors, Other

Image of shark on reef with small, colorful reef fish.

Tracking Sharks and Listening to Rays

Sharks get a lot more attention than, say, sea cucumbers, possibly because sharks tend to have much bigger teeth. They even get their own week! (note to Discovery Channel: please find room for Sea Cucumber Week). And yet, as marine scientist and shark expert David Shiffman points out, scientists are still discovering new things about … Read more “Tracking Sharks and Listening to Rays”

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

Diving into Citizen Science: Surfrider Volunteers Protect Public Health at the Beach

The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves and beaches, for all people, through a powerful activist network. From testing our coastal waters to ensuring that runoff stays in your garden to reducing plastic pollution, Surfrider’s programs help ensure that our marine ecosystems are protected. … Read more “Diving into Citizen Science: Surfrider Volunteers Protect Public Health at the Beach”

Categories: Environment, Nature & Outdoors

Martin Dohrn filming a bumble bee hovering over a dandelion.

Inspire Your Community to Protect Local Pollinators

When the global pandemic hit, acclaimed wildlife filmmaker Martin Dohrn, locked down in his small city garden in Bristol, England, decided to turn the cameras on the wildlife in his backyard. He was particularly fascinated with the bees visiting his garden. Putting his unparalleled skills and cameras to use, he filmed more than 60 different … Read more “Inspire Your Community to Protect Local Pollinators”

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

Sourdough for Science: How YOU Can Create a Tiny World in a Jar

The author of this post, Adam Castiller, is a student of Chelsea Krieg, an Instructor at NC State University. Day-by-day, life seems to be moving so fast. Between developments in vaccines and the shift back to normal life, we all need something to teach us how to enjoy the small and simple things in life. Throughout … Read more “Sourdough for Science: How YOU Can Create a Tiny World in a Jar”

Categories: Chemistry, Nature & Outdoors

A hand holding a smartphone in the woods. On screen is the Mountain Rain or Snow website.

How can it snow when temperatures are above freezing? Mountain Rain or Snow has the answer — and wants your help studying it

A glimpse at the temperature during the next snowfall might surprise you: It may not actually be below freezing outside. Don’t worry, your thermometer isn’t broken, and you didn’t miss a memo about a change in the laws of physics. There’s a straightforward reason why it can snow above 32°F — though it does make … Read more “How can it snow when temperatures are above freezing? Mountain Rain or Snow has the answer — and wants your help studying it”

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

A great blue heron wades through shallow water.

The People’s University: Cooperative Extension’s Role with Citizen Science

Did you know that in nearly every county across the U.S., there’s an office working on programs for youth development, agriculture, landscaping, health and wellness, community development, natural resource conservation and more? They’re all part of what’s called the Cooperative Extension, or “Extension” for short. They’re one of the most far-reaching, non-formal educational programs there … Read more “The People’s University: Cooperative Extension’s Role with Citizen Science”

Categories: Citizen Science, Education, Nature & Outdoors, University