Stars, Strips and Acts of Science
Citizen Science in Your Library for America 250 with SciStarter
Originally Recorded
August 25, 2025
Audience
ARSL Event and Program Facilitators
Topic
Citizen Science Month 2026 & America 250
Watch the Webinar
DESCRIPTION
This webinar is designed for event facilitators interested in adding citizen science to their offerings and contributing to 2.5 Million Acts of Science during Citizen Science Month, April 2026, as part of the national America250 celebration.
Libraries, museums, and community spaces are civic hubs—and in April 2026, they’ll also become launchpads for real-world research. Invite your community to take part in simple, fun, and meaningful citizen science projects that spark curiosity and make a local impact.
SciStarter showcased how organizations can easily integrate citizen science into events or programs. Whether you’re planning a science festival, running a small rural library, or leading a large urban institute, there are flexible, ready-to-go projects that fit your capacity and audience.
What You’ll Learn:
- How libraries and others have benefited from Citizen Science Month
- How to choose simple, engaging, and impactful citizen science projects
- How to align with 2.5 Million Acts of Science and America250 (including AmericaGives)
- Free tools, resources, and project ideas from SciStarter and partners
- Real-world success stories from past participants
Moderated By
Tara Cox
SciStarter, Director of Partnerships
Emma Giles
SciStarter, Director of Programs and Operations
Featured Resources
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Project Spotlight
Instant Wild – BorneoCam
Identify the species in camera trap images from all over the world from the comfort of your home. This Zoological Society of London project is designed to connect people with the natural world & create useful conservation data.
Anytime
Global
Wildlife, Conservation, Camera traps
Upcoming Events
Acts of Science: Make Every Program Count This April
October 15, 2025 at 12:00 PM PT | 3:00 PM ET
Citizen and Community Science Library Network Professional Development Webinar
Ready to bring real science to your community? Join us for an interactive webinar designed for event facilitators, educators, and library and museum staff looking to engage audiences through Acts of Science—real-world, accessible citizen and community science activities.
We’ll unveil new program planning tools and resources that make it easy to host science experiences focused on weather, space, environmental monitoring, and public health. Whether you’re planning a one-time event or a full month of activities, this webinar will help you make your Acts of Science count this April—when communities across the country are activating citizen science in celebration of science and Earth Month. You’ll explore featured projects, get plug-and-play materials, and leave ready to lead meaningful science experiences that connect your audience to real research.
What to expect:
- A tour of newly released facilitator tools
- Featured citizen science projects on weather, health, and the environment
- Planning tips and adaptable activities for all ages
- Q&A with SciStarter program staff and fellow facilitators
Who should attend: Library staff, educators, museum professionals, afterschool leaders, community organizers, and anyone facilitating public-facing science programs.
Acts of Science: Connected “Prep Calls”
October 21, November 18, & December 16, 2025 at 11:00 AM PT | 2:00 PM ET
SciStarter is hosting four national events in April—one each week—featuring a different citizen science project.
Libraries across the country will join by providing space, inviting guests, and adding their own creative touch—whether it’s a potluck meal, themed hats, or other fun ideas. They’ll also have the option to connect their community to a live Zoom event. Whether on zoom with the project leader or working independently, participants can:
- Learn about a project and start participating in real time
- Take part in a friendly competition between libraries
- See results revealed at the end of the program
- Ask questions directly to the featured scientist
- Leave with resources to stay engaged in the project
To get ready, join our Prep Calls. We’ll provide clear instructions, links, and best practices to help your library make the most of these April events.
