Citizen Scientists Like You Could Change How We Handle Iraq’s Humanitarian Crisis

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

Celebrate the Summer Solstice with Citizen Science!

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

Can You Name this Paw Print?

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

Dragonfly Watch – Find Those Fast and Furious Insects!

“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

DIYBio and Open Science Changed My Life (And Could Change Yours)

Milo Toor, a software engineer writes about his experience with DIYBio and Counter Culture Labs. You can find more information about Counter Culture Labs and search for other DIYBio projects on the SciStarter citizen science project database. Counter Culture Labs is a 100% volunteer-run, membership funded organization, and is currently running a Kickstarter campaign, funds from which will … Read more “DIYBio and Open Science Changed My Life (And Could Change Yours)”

Categories: Biology, Citizen Science, Do-It-Yourself

Celebrate World Oceans Day with Citizen Science

On June 8th, people across the world will celebrate World Oceans Day, a day set aside to honor and protect our oceans. To help you participate in World Oceans Day, we’ve put together a list of 7 ocean-based citizen science projects that need your help. We are partnering with The TerraMar Project to share SciStarter’s … Read more “Celebrate World Oceans Day with Citizen Science”

Categories: Animals, Biology, Ecology & Environment

Growth Results for Microbes Collected by Citizen Scientists and Grown on the International Space Station

  Relative Growth Rates Documented by UC Davis Scientists for Project MERCCURI “Encouraging” for Long-Term Manned Spaceflight Do microbes grow differently on the International Space Station than they do on Earth? Results from the growth of microbes collected by SciStarter’s community of citizen scientists in Project MERCCURI indicate that most behave similarly in both places. … Read more “Growth Results for Microbes Collected by Citizen Scientists and Grown on the International Space Station”

Categories: Science Cheerleaders

Nominate a Team or Individual for Citizen Science Award

The William E. Bennett Award for Extraordinary Contributions to Citizen Science was established by NCSCE and named in honor of its first recipient for his lifetime contributions to citizen science. The award is given annually to an individual and a team whose SENCER and other related activities have made exemplary and extraordinary contributions to citizen … Read more “Nominate a Team or Individual for Citizen Science Award”

Categories: Citizen Science

The White House Wants Your Help to Stop the Decline in Pollinators

Pollinating animals play a crucial role in our food production system, and they are essential in maintaining the health and vitality of many ecosystems.  Unfortunately, many pollinator species, such as bees and butterflies, have been declining recently.  In response to that decline, the national Pollinator Health Task Force, commissioned by the White House, recently released … Read more “The White House Wants Your Help to Stop the Decline in Pollinators”

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

Is There a Community Lab Near You? – Find lab space, equipment, and training in your area!

Do you want to explore, invent, design, or create something but don’t have the facilities to do so? Do you want to learn more about biotechnology, science, and laboratory safety? Community labs may be the perfect fit for you! Community labs are rapidly spreading throughout the world. Our editors highlight five, below. People often pay … Read more “Is There a Community Lab Near You? – Find lab space, equipment, and training in your area!”

Categories: Biology, Citizen Science, Newsletter