We’re in the dog days of summer, and National Dog Day is August 26.
You and your pup can celebrate by doing a little science together (that’s right!) … and help researchers in the process. Don’t have a dog? Don’t worry, we’ve got a few canine-related projects you can do, no pets required.
Want a little help getting started? Watch our latest SciStarter LIVE! — Bring Your “Lab” Partner and Let’s Do Canine Research for National Dog Day! or listen to our newest podcast episode — Give your dog (or cat) a personality quiz for science!
Your participation matters!
The SciStarter Team
As all dog owners know, every pup has their own personality. Take a quick questionnaire to share your canine’s unique behavior with C-BARQ and add to a worldwide database of dog behavior.
Learn about the research all that data is helping to power with our latest blog featuring C-BARQ!
Location: Online, for dog owners
The Canine Brains Project at Harvard University wants to understand why dogs have a wide range of personality traits. Previous lab work has uncovered that selective breeding has led to differences in canine brain anatomy.
Help them answer how this brain development and function is influenced by each dog’s environment and life experiences by answering online surveys about your dog’s life and behavior.
Location: Online, for dog owners
Darwin’s Dogs, part of Darwin’s Ark, pairs DNA sequencing with the behavioral information collected from dog owners in order to study dog breeds, disease and more. Even better, many insights from the project could hold value for humans as well!
Register your dog(s) and fill out online surveys like “Stop, Drop, Chase,” “A Day in the Life,” and more. As an optional (paid) add-on, order a DNA kit to have your dog’s genome sequenced to add to the study!
Location: Online, for dog owners
Wolves are dogs’ closest relatives, and also their ancestors! Learn more about this branch of the canine family tree by searching through images from wildlife cameras for wolf packs in Minnesota’s Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve, along with many other wildlife species.
Location: Online, no pet required
At this working ranch in Kenya, researchers are using wildlife cameras to monitor a diverse array of wildlife, including canids like jackals and hyenas. Identifying animals in images helps researchers learn more about their habits, and could give them valuable information about how to protect these wild species.
Location: Online, no pet required
Portland is home to coyotes that live alongside human residents. While these urban canines can cause problems, scientists are working to help humans and coyotes live side-by-side, sharing important spaces for both. You can help by reporting coyote sightings in Portland!
Location: Portland, OR, no pet required
SciStarter LIVE!
Join the SciStarter team Tuesdays from 2-3PM ET to hear from project
leaders, get tips on participating and learn about the impact of contributing to volunteer powered science. Join in from anywhere via Zoom or watch the live stream on SciStarter’s Facebook page. Register here!
August 29: Mosquitos Got You Down? Fight Back with GLOBE Observer: Mosquito Habitat Mapper.
In case you missed it: Bring your “Lab” Partner and Let’s Do Canine Research for National Dog Day! Watch the recording.
Do NASA Science Live!
Five NASA Projects. Two Eclipses. One Bad Astronomer. (feat. special guest Phil Plait)
Join us for a special Do NASA Science LIVE! Tuesday September 19, 7-8:30pm ET.
Get ready for North American eclipses happening October 2023 and April
2024. NASA scientists want your help sharing observations before, during and after the eclipses, from wherever you are — there’s information they can learn about the Sun only during these ultra-rare events! Join our special host, “Bad Astronomer” Phil Plait to learn more during the interactive “Do NASA Science LIVE!” online, September 19th, 7-8:30 pm ET. Your next chance to see a solar eclipse in the U.S. won’t be until 2044, so don’t miss out!.
Citizen Science Podcast
Give your dog (or cat) a personality quiz for science! Are you curious
about how your dog or cat compares to others? And/or would you like to contribute to science research that could benefit pets and people? Learn more about C-BARQ (for dogs) and Fe-BARQ (for cats) from the scientist who created them.
For Organizations: NASA seeks proposals for NASA GLOBE. The Earth
Science Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate solicits proposals for an organization or a team of multiple organizations to host the GLOBE Implementation Office (GIO) and collaborate with NASA in the implementation of GLOBE. Proposals are due October 6, 2023. For more information, check out their informational webinar.
Science Near Me
What’s happening near you today? With Science Near Me, find a broad
range of local science-related discussions, festivals, policy forums and events. Discover activities to do at home, star parties with local astronomy clubs, science nights at nearby bars and much more! Check it out!
The Latest Blogs
With One Citizen Science Survey, C-BARQ is Fueling Years of Research Into Dogs
SciStarter Brings Citizen Science to the MO Solar Eclipse Expo
5 Ways to Help Combat Pollutants to Protect Earth
