Category: Citizen Science

Amphibians and reptiles, also known asherptiles or herps, are the focus of many citizen science projects. If you like frogs, turtles, and salamanders, just to name a few, join one of the projects below to help us better understand the distribution and population status of these wonderful creatures! Check out the SciStarter blog for updates […]

Citizen scientists document in collaboration with the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles help document reptiles and amphbians in Southern California to aid in conservation efforts. Find more information about participating in RASCals, the citizen science project on SciStarter and watch out for our herptile themed newsletter! by Sharman Apt Russell This June, I walked […]

Citizen scientists of the Salamander Crossing Brigades in New Hampshire help thousands of salamanders safely across dangerous roads in their migratory journey to the vernal pools. Find out how they contribute to conservation research by tracking and monitoring the salamanders on an annual basis. Guest post by Brett Amy Thelen Every spring, as the earth thaws and […]

Philadelphia, PA – NASA scientists are on a mission to map global soil moisture, and through SciStarter, they’re teaming up with citizen scientists to gather valuable data from the ground to complement and validate what is seen from space. Known as the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) satellite mission, the research will help scientists understand […]

Turn on your porch light at night and bring out your inner citizen scientist. Record observations of moths for National Moth Week and help scientists understand these unique Lepidopterans. Guest post by Sandra Lanman I used to be a moth assassin. I’d grab the swatter or scream for my husband whenever one fluttered erratically inside […]

It’s Shark Week! Do you know researchers need your help to learn more about these fascinating, underwater creatures? Below, you’ll find five projects to help us learn more about sharks and what we can do to protect them. Join us today at 2:00 PM ET for the next #CitSciChat, a Twitter discussion about citizen science, moderated […]

Diver-citizen scientists help find out why there has been a recent increase in the number of Sevengill Sharks spotted in the San Diego area The first thing the divers noticed upon reaching the bottom was that there were absolutely no fish—anywhere. The lighting, also being strange, lent everything a deserted, eerie feel. But, says diver […]

Natural disasters can be devastating and terrifying but in some cases, there are things we can do to take control. Here are a selection of citizen science projects designed to inform rescue efforts and related research. Cheers! The SciStarter Team

Civic minded citizen scientists in your community help meteorologists and the National Weather Service stay abreast of inclement weather with on-the-ground data. Earlier this week, the Midwest and Northeast were slammed with tornados and thunderstorms that grounded planes and held up trains. Thousands of people along the Northeast corridor lost power as a result. During […]

By analyzing images taken during times of humanitarian crises, citizen scientists can help refine a tool for data analysis improve relief efforts. A guest post by Megan Passey and Jeremy Othenio. Edited by Arvind Suresh In August 2014, following the fall of Mosul in Iraq, the UN declared the situation a level 3 crisis, the […]