Philadelphia Turns Public Participation Into Scientific Discovery for America’s 250th Birthday

From Alzheimer’s research to wildlife tracking, Philadelphians are invited to be part of real scientific discovery during Citizen Science Month this April

Philadelphia, PA — Philadelphia, the birthplace of civic participation, is helping launch 2.50 Million Acts of Science, inviting people to contribute to real scientific research during Citizen Science Month this April in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Led by Philadelphia-based global citizen science platform SciStarter, an official America250 partner, the campaign turns simple public actions into measurable contributions to scientific discovery.

This April, SciStarter is mobilizing people around the world and across Philadelphia to show how public participation, whether at home, in libraries, museums, or neighborhood events, can help advance scientific research and benefit local communities and future generations.

No lab coat, degree, or special equipment is required.

In one previous Citizen Science Month weekend event, volunteers generated data that would have taken researchers three and a half months to analyze, demonstrating how quickly public participation can accelerate science.

“Science is better when more people can participate. Citizen Science Month gives anyone, anywhere the chance to help advance discoveries that matter,” said Darlene Cavalier, founder of SciStarter and Professor of Practice at Arizona State University. “For participants, the impact goes beyond learning. People begin to see themselves as contributors and collaborators rather
than passive consumers of science.”

Why Philadelphia? Because Big Ideas Start Here

Philadelphia’s civic history makes it a fitting place to invite residents to shape scientific discovery.

“Philadelphia has always been a place where big ideas begin,” said Michael Newmuis, Director of Philadelphia’s 2026 celebrations. “Inviting everyone to take part in science and civic engagement feels quintessentially Philadelphia.”

Across the city, libraries, museums, schools, parks, historic sites, and neighborhoods will offer easy ways for residents of all ages to participate.

Acts of Science: Connected

A new weekly series, Acts of Science: Connected, will bring scientists from NASA, the Smithsonian, Cornell, and other institutions together with the public through live interactive Zoom events streamed to in-person gatherings throughout April.
Participants can join from home or local gatherings. Find event dates and time at
SciStarter.org/connected and register on Zoom to:

• Help researchers analyze brain images for Alzheimer’s research
• Identify wildlife in online images for conservation
• Study clouds on Mars with NASA scientists
• Transcribe historic Freedmen’s Bureau records
• Contribute to astronomy and environmental monitoring projects

Last year, more than 500,000 people participated in over 1,000 citizen science projects and
events nationwide, reflecting growing public engagement in scientific discovery.

America 250 Window Decals and Civic Participation

Free, patriotic window decals will give residents an easy way to show their spirit by decorating windows across the city as millions visit Philadelphia for the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Placed on the outside of windows, the decals also help raise awareness of bird collisions during peak migration season and count as an Act of Science, showing how a simple action at home can support bird safety and public participation.

In addition, bookmarks with citizen science tips, including more ways to help migrating birds, will be included in the City of Philadelphia’s America 250 Liberty Kits, supported by the Union League of Philadelphia and Founding Forward, and distributed through the city’s Block Party Bonanza, reaching thousands of Philadelphians.

Other Ways Philadelphians Can Participate This April

• Parkway Central Library, the flagship branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia, will host an in-person Acts of Science: Connected event on April 9 at 2 p.m., where participants will transcribe post-Civil War Reconstruction-era Freedmen’s Bureau records to make them publicly searchable.
• The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University will invite residents to join the City Nature Challenge by documenting plants, insects, and wildlife across the city.
• The Franklin Institute will feature citizen science through exhibits, demonstrations, and April programs, including Science After Hours.
• The Science History Institute will present programs exploring waterways, chemistry, and fireworks.
• Bartram’s Garden will offer seasonal ecology programs focused on local habitats.
• The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education will lead amphibian migration counts and outdoor science activities.
• The American Philosophical Society will present Weathering Crisis: Revisiting James Madison’s Contributions to Climate and Citizen Science – A Conversation with Marcia McNutt on April 30 at 6:00pm.
• A 52 Firsts event with the American Philosophical Society will highlight how Benjamin Franklin used shared observations to map the Gulf Stream, an early example of citizen science.
• John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum will host bird safety activities with Bird Safe Philly.
• Independence Library Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia will host an Earth Day Acts of Science: Connected event at 2PM on April 22, where participants will identify animals in online images for conservation research.
• Independence National Historical Park will host a pop-up star party starting at 8PM on April 13 (April 14 Rain Date) during International Dark Sky Week, combining stargazing, light pollution monitoring, and nighttime bird migration reporting.

Visit each organization’s website for event details or see the full list at CitizenScienceMonth.org.

In addition to local events, hundreds of searchable projects and activities are available globally during April and year-round through SciStarter.org.

Make It Count

Anyone who reports an Act of Science during April at CitizenScienceMonth.org can receive a certificate, digital badge, and a free 12-month digital subscription to New Scientist, among other prizes.

Organizations interested in partnering or sponsoring can contact info@SciStarter.org.