Explore SciStarter’s collection of thematic calendars featuring year-round citizen science opportunities. Each calendar is available as a clickable PDF. Perfect for printing, sharing, or incorporating into your own newsletters, websites, and social media.

<< Return to 12 Months of Citizen Science Programming July: Night Shift Naturalists Activity Type Outdoor nighttime observation activity Topic Moths, insects, pollinators, biodiversity Audience Children, Teens, Adults, Families, Intergenerational groups Location Outdoors, at night Materials White sheet, outdoor light or bright lamp, internet-connected smartphone or tablet with a camera, and optional moth identification resources […]

<< Return to 12 Months of Citizen Science Programming December: Forecasting the Holidays Activity Type Weather observation and precipitation measurement activity Topic Weather, precipitation, climate, data Audience Children, Teens, Adults, Families, Intergenerational groups Location Indoors and Outdoors Materials CoCoRaHS-approved 4-inch rain gauge, internet-connected computer or mobile device, ruler or yardstick if measuring snow, and optional […]

<< Return to 12 Months of Citizen Science Programming March: Seek Signs of Spring Activity Type Outdoor observation activity Topic Phenology, plants, wildlife, seasons Audience Children, Teens, Adults, Families, Intergenerational groups Location Outdoors Materials Internet-connected smartphone or tablet, Nature’s Notebook app or website Low Tech Options Participants can make observations on paper during the program […]

<< Return to 12 Months of Citizen Science Programming February: Improve the Path with Project Sidewalk Activity Type Computer-based mapping activity Topic Accessibility, community planning, pedestrian infrastructure Audience Teens, Adults, Families, Intergenerational groups Location Indoors Materials Each participant needs an internet-connected tablet or computer Low Tech Options Encourage participants to bring their own devices. This […]

<< Return to 12 Months of Citizen Science Programming April: Acts of Science: Connected Activity Type Live, interactive citizen science event Topic Citizen Science Month, live participation, community science Audience Teens, Adults, Families, Intergenerational groups Location Indoors or online Materials Large screen or projector, speakers, stable internet connection, Zoom-capable computer, and internet-connected computers, tablets, or […]

<< Return to 12 Months of Citizen Science Programming May: Take a Mindful Moment with the Night Sky Activity Type Outdoor nighttime observation activity Topic Astronomy, light pollution, night sky Audience Teens, Adults, Families, Intergenerational groups Location Outdoors, at night Materials Internet-connected smartphone or tablet, optional red flashlight, and a clear view of the night […]

<< Return to 12 Months of Citizen Science Programming June: Celebrate National Pollinators Week Activity Type Outdoor pollinator observation activity Topic Pollinators, insects, biodiversity, plants Audience Children, Teens, Adults, Families, Intergenerational groups Location Outdoors Materials Internet-connected smartphone or tablet, flowering plants, timer, optional printed data sheets, pencils, and pollinator identification resources Low Tech Options Participants […]

Exploring the world and contributing to global science does not require a professional laboratory or an advanced degree—sometimes, all you need is a backyard, a smartphone and a curious family. Editor’s note: This guest post was contributed by Bárbara Alencar Rolim, co-founder of Independent Family Scientists (CFI) in Igarassu, Pernambuco, Brazil. It describes her family’s […]

<< Return to 12 Months of Citizen Science Programming January: Do NASA Science LIVE! Activity Type Explore and classify data for NASA Topic NASA, space research, planetary science, Earth science Audience Teens, Adults, Families, Intergenerational groups Location Indoors, possibly in a computer lab Materials Each participant needs an internet-connected tablet or computer Low Tech Options […]

Host a live NASA citizen science event at your library and connect patrons with real NASA research. SciStarter provides everything you need, including facilitator training, printable materials, and an easy-to-follow event toolkit.