Science Across Generations: Engaging All Ages Through Citizen Science at the Library
Originally Aired
October 24, 2025 – No recording
Audience
Arizona Library Association Conference
Topic
Citizen science in libraries, how to engage all age groups, getting started for all capacities
Moderated By
Deron Ash
Assistant Director for Programs, School for the Future of Innovation in Society, ASU
Emma Giles
Director of Programs, SciStarter
DESCRIPTION
Citizen science invites people of all ages to contribute to real scientific research—making it a powerful tool for libraries looking to engage their communities in meaningful, hands-on STEM learning. In this interactive session, discover how citizen science fosters intergenerational connections, supports lifelong learning, and positions libraries as community science hubs.
Participants will explore the value and impact of citizen science and learn about free turnkey and customizable resources developed by SciStarter. Together, we’ll dive into successful examples of citizen science projects and programs that are easy to implement—like supplementing existing programs with citizen science add-ons or Acts of Science: Connected, SciStarter-produced programs in April 2025 that you can tap into as a satellite host.
You’ll leave with the tools and confidence to design citizen science initiatives tailored to your community’s needs, with hands-on support and planning time built into the session. Whether you’re new to citizen science or looking to expand your offerings, this workshop will spark ideas and equip you to take action.
During this session, we want you to:
- Understand the value and impact of citizen science as a tool for intergenerational engagement, lifelong learning, and community-driven STEM programming in libraries.
- Explore free, turnkey, and customizable citizen science resources developed by SciStarter, including project guides, toolkits, and promotional materials designed specifically for libraries.
- Develop a draft plan for citizen science initiatives that align with your library’s goals and community interests, using hands-on planning tools and real-world project examples.