You can lend a hand to science education, too.

By Darlene Cavalier, Feb 10, 2010

National Lab Day is the brain child of Jack Hidary who wants to improve science, technology, engineering, and math education in the U.S.A. Through National Lab Day, scientists are matched with teachers in need of their intellectual capital. Much like you–citizen scientists–are lending your brains to science, scientists participating in National Lab Day are lending … Read more “You can lend a hand to science education, too.”

Categories: Citizen Science, Science Education Standards

Don’t miss the Great Backyard Bird Count

By Susan West, Feb 09, 2010

Get those binoculars out: The Great Backyard Bird Count 2010 takes place this Friday through next Monday, February 12 to 15. In as little as 15 minutes a day, you can help scientists learn how climate, disease, and habitat changes are affecting bird populations. Plus, you’ll have fun checking out your backyard visitors. The bird … Read more “Don’t miss the Great Backyard Bird Count”

Categories: Animals, Birds, Citizen Science, Nature & Outdoors

Site status: We’re doing better now, thank you

By Michael Gold, Feb 08, 2010

Things have been a little squirrely in the last several days, what with the hiccups and ugly error messages that greeted a few selected members. Sorry about that. But now our intrepid engineer, Daniel, has set things straight again. Scientists and organizers of citizen science projects, you can once more reliably share your programs with … Read more “Site status: We’re doing better now, thank you”

Categories: Citizen Science

An introduction to bird watching.

By Darlene Cavalier, Feb 04, 2010

New to bird watching? Professor Stuart Pimm talks us through the basics in this video. Many bird watchers share their observations with researchers in an effort to learn about and protect these  little critters that are so important to our ecology.  If you’re interested in getting involved in bird watching to help science, you’ll find … Read more “An introduction to bird watching.”

Categories: Birds, Citizen Science

Help researchers tailor electric vehicle solutions (based on YOUR commute).

By Darlene Cavalier, Jan 31, 2010

Just back from a visit to Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Lab. Fascinating developments taking place there, not the least of which includes a number of citizen science initiatives! First up: ChargeCar! This project, part of a series of community-based applied research activities coming out of CMU’s CommunityRobotics.org,  is asking you to share your daily commute … Read more “Help researchers tailor electric vehicle solutions (based on YOUR commute).”

Categories: Citizen Science, Ecology & Environment

Amateur Astronomers First to Spot Starry Outburst

By Michael Gold, Jan 29, 2010

It had been more than 10 years since the two-star system known as U Scorpii had erupted into one of its unpredictable bursts of brightness. Then yesterday morning, two amateur astronomers in Florida observed this “recurrent nova” come to life. Barbara Harris spotted it first and Shawn Dvorak soon confirmed. They notified the American Association … Read more “Amateur Astronomers First to Spot Starry Outburst”

Categories: Astronomy & Space, Citizen Science

Sci4Cits comes alive at the Science Online 2010 conference!

By Darlene Cavalier, Jan 18, 2010

The science blogging community gathered (in person) at the increasingly popular Science Online 2010 conference in Durham, N.C. this past weekend where I was invited to chat about Adult Science Literacy, Science in the Media, and Citizen Science. I had the chance to unveil this beta version of  Sci4cits to an enthusiastic reception from the … Read more “Sci4Cits comes alive at the Science Online 2010 conference!”

Categories: Citizen Science, Events