We Can All Be Citizen Scientists
Scientists need data. People can collect data. With a little piece of technology in our pockets, we can easily and efficiently transport that data to scientists around the world. Tada – we can all be citizen scientists!
When visiting Yellowstone National Park, my 10-year-old daughter observed geysers and recorded their times through my phone. Scientists use this data to make better geyser predictions.
At the solar eclipse, my son brought along a digital thermometer. He recorded the drop in temperature for a project with NASA.
This summer I’m growing perennial grain experimental plots in my garden. I use the CitSci app to record data about germination, flowering, pollinators, and yield for agronomists in Kansas.
The CitSci website and app have countless projects that the public can join and record data in their location – bald eagle watch, picking up litter in nature, and so many more. NASA’s citizen science website has projects like cloudspotting on Mars, tracking new planets beyond our solar system, and more. These projects are perfect for individuals, families, classrooms, community groups — really everyone!
It’s a pretty cool feeling to know your observations are making a positive impact. We can all contribute to furthering science and a better understanding of our world.
