Calling All Citizen Scientists

My children and I recently spent an afternoon taking pictures of local plants and animals at a nearby park. We used the Seek app by iNaturalist, a joint initiative of the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society, to explore a variety of species. My kids were so engaged in this activity that they didn’t want to go home! They found it so fascinating that the app would identify details about a plant or animal by simply taking a picture of it. Not only does iNaturalist help kids learn how to identify wildlife and plants and encourage them to spend more time outside, but kids are also helping experts collect data by practicing citizen science. So what exactly is citizen science? Read on to learn about this educational — and fun! — initiative:

Words by Sandi Schwartz

What Is Citizen Science?

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, citizen science is “the collection and analysis of data relating to the natural world by members of the general public, typically as part of a collaborative project with professional scientists.” Citizen science involves volunteering to collect data, and it is a way for our children to gain science experience and directly help the scientific community. It also allows government offices and other organizations to engage the public in addressing societal needs and accelerating science, technology and innovation. Additionally, citizen science helps address real-world problems like climate change and biodiversity. Volunteers have varying levels of expertise, from kids in their backyards to members of high school science clubs to amateur astronomers with sophisticated home equipment. And technology, namely apps like iNaturalist, make citizen science more accessible today than ever before. Projects typically involve volunteers collecting data, like counting certain types of birds they see in their neighborhood or taking pictures and submitting them digitally. Citizen science isn’t a new phenomenon. Since 1900, the National Audubon Society has organized the Christmas Bird Count that runs from December 14 through January 5 each year. An experienced birder leads a group (called a circle) of volunteers as they collect information about local populations of birds. More than 2,000 circles operate across the United States and Canada. Ultimately, this wildlife census contributes to bird conservation efforts.

Does Citizen Science Have Any Benefits?

Citizen science can help us feel happier and calmer for a few reasons. The first is that most projects take place outdoors. It’s been proven that spending time in nature can help reduce stress and boost our mood. When we are engaged in a project, whether it’s taking pictures or counting a specific type of plant or animal, we become more focused and lost in the moment. The result? We become more mindful, which tremendously improves our overall wellbeing. Another way citizen science boosts our mood is through the act of volunteering — we feel better when we give back to others and our community. According to researchers Karen Makuch and Miriam Aczel, citizen science projects also benefit both the physical and mental development of children and lead to increased levels of environmental stewardship and protection. They explain that part of this results from children being part of a team and community, having a purpose and role and being involved in a structured activity. These types of experiences tend to boost self-confidence, advance self-efficacy and improve mental health in general.

Where Can You Find Citizen Science Opportunities?

Whether your family wants to get involved by surveying your own backyard or join a more organized group like a school nature or science club, there are programs for kids of all ages and abilities. Check with your county or Florida’s Department of Natural Resources for ways to get involved locally or look up one of these national opportunities:

DATABASES:

CitizenScience.gov: This searchable database provides a government-wide listing of citizen science projects. SciStarter: Provides a database of more than 3,000 vetted projects and events searchable by location, topic, interest and more. Zooniverse: The world’s largest and most popular platform for peoplepowered volunteer research.

PROJECTS:

Audubon Christmas Bird Count: Initiated in 1900, this is the nation’s longest-running citizen science bird project. The bird count runs from December 14 through January 5 each year.

Cornell Lab of Ornithology:

Offers several bird-related citizen science programs, including NestWatch, Project FeederWatch, and Great Backyard Bird Count. FrogWatch USA: This is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in which participants report the mating calls of local frogs and toads.

Monarch Watch from University

of Kansas: This involves tagging and tracking migrating monarch butterflies during their annual North American migration. National Geographic BioBlitz: This event focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time to get a snapshot of biodiversity. Project BudBurst: With climate change being its focus, this project involves monitoring the leafing, flowering and fruiting of plants.