Blog: Citizen Science Projects, People, and Perspectives
By Editorial Team, Jul 15, 2015
Philadelphia, PA – NASA scientists are on a mission to map global soil moisture, and through SciStarter, they’re teaming up with citizen scientists to gather valuable data from the ground to complement and validate what is seen from space. Known as the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) satellite mission, the research will help scientists understand … Read more “NASA and SciStarter enlist citizen scientists for nationwide research that examines soil moisture conditions and water availability”
Categories: Citizen Science
By Guest Contributor, Jul 11, 2015
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
By Editorial Team, Jul 08, 2015
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
By Ian Vorster, Jul 07, 2015
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
By Arvind Suresh, Jun 28, 2015
Natural disasters can be devastating and terrifying but in some cases, there are things we can do to take control. Here are a selection of citizen science projects designed to inform rescue efforts and related research. Cheers! The SciStarter Team
Categories: Citizen Science, Climate & Weather, Computers & Technology, Newsletter
By Carolyn Graybeal, Jun 26, 2015
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
By Arvind Suresh, Jun 24, 2015
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
By Arvind Suresh, Jun 21, 2015
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
By Guest Contributor, Jun 16, 2015
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
By Ian Vorster, Jun 12, 2015
“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
