Citizen Science Projects
Join us for an exciting journey of discovery at this year's STEAM EXPO! We are thrilled to introduce a unique opportunity for families to dive into the world of citizen science. This is your chance to work together as a family, exploring real-world problems and contributing to genuine scientific research. Engage in hands-on activities, observe natural phenomena, or even track celestial events right from your backyard. Your findings will not only enhance your understanding of science and the environment but also contribute valuable data to the scientific community. The knowledge and experiences you gain will be a treasure to share at our STEAM EXPO. This is more than just a learning experience; it's a chance to bond, innovate, and make a real impact. So, grab your magnifying glasses, put on your thinking caps, and get ready to embark on a scientific adventure that will create lasting memories and ignite a lifelong passion for learning!
Curious?
Checkout SciStarter! You can filter by interest, type, age level, and many other factors!
Another favorite is Zooniverse - an incredible online database of projects that families can engage in together.
There is an opportunity out there for every age level and interest you can imagine. No prior knowledge or expertise is required! While some projects involve specific time frames like the Great Backyard Bird Count, many can be done at any time, working around time commitments that work for your family! Just a few minutes a week can bring rich scientific learning into your home and make a difference.
Need a Little More Help Getting Started?
Check out some of our favorite projects!
We Found a Project, What is Next?
Click here to tell us you are participating!
Read the requirements for your project choice.
Work on your project
Create a presentation for STEAM Expo (tri-fold presentation board)
Tell about the project
Tell what you did to complete it
Tell what you learned
Practice your presentation
Come to STEAM EXPO and share your learning!
F.A.Qs
Do we have to do a Citizen Science Project?
Nope. We love all kinds of STEAM projects. A traditional project is just fine. Click here to return to the traditional projects.
I have children in multiple grades. Do they all have to choose different projects?
We love family science! You are welcome to dig into one project altogether or choose multiple ones to participate in!
We are super busy, but we love science and want to participate in STEAM Expo! Can you suggest a project for us?
Tight on time? Need something manageable? Try one of the Zooniverse projects. Set aside a few minutes each week to identify elephants, count penguins, or identify animals on the safari. You'll be learning how scientists sort and analyze their data!
We heard about a Citizen Science Project that is not on your list. Can we do that?
Yes! There are so many wonderful opportunities to get involved with Community Science Projects or Citizen Science Projects! We could never list them all!
My child wants to work with a friend from another class, grade or school. Is that ok!?
If it works for you, it works for us! Got curious, energetic kids? Seek! By INaturalist is a perfect match. All you need is the app and the energy to keep up as they explore their natural world - which can be the school campus or your own backyard!