Acts of Science with SciStarter at Your Library

Welcome! This page was developed in partnership with the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) to help libraries integrate citizen science into 2026 summer library activities. 

Check out the 2026 Summer Reading Catalogue, presented by CSLP. SciStarter programs are featured in Chapter 2 pg. 72, Chapter 6 pg. 250, and Chapter 7 pgs. 276-277.

Please note: The catalogue is only available to CSLP Members. Learn more about becoming a member here.

FEB 4

11:00 AM PT / 2:00 PM ET

Zoom

Unearth A Story this Summer with SciStarter and the Collaborative Summer Library Program

Join SciStarter and the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) to explore how to bring citizen science into your library’s Unearth a Story summer reading program! Learn about engaging, hands-on science activities from real research projects that spark curiosity and empower your community to contribute to scientific discovery — all while supporting CSLP’s 2026 theme of exploration and discovery. We’ll share simple ideas, resources, and tips to make citizen science a fun, meaningful part of your summer programs.

Register
Slides

Program Description

Turn your library into a hub of discovery! SciStarter hosts thousands of “citizen science” projects that invite the public to join meaningful research. Each project includes clear, step-by-step instructions, making participation easy for all ages

By observing nature, exploring space images, reporting local weather conditions, and more, your library patrons become part of real research that shapes our understanding of the world. These Acts of Science are simple, fun activities that answer big scientific questions.

What are Acts of Science?

Acts of Science are simple, hands-on activities that connect your community to real scientific research. Patrons can observe nature, explore space images, report local weather conditions, or even help advance Alzheimer’s research—all while having fun and learning.

Participants choose from projects like photographing plants for iNaturalist tracking pollinators with the Great Sunflower Project, or analyzing videos for Stall Catchers to help scientists study brain health. Activities are designed to be easy, engaging, and impactful—every small act contributes to big discoveries.

Why brings Acts of Science to your library?

Because it’s fun, free, and meaningful! These projects spark curiosity, build STEM and digital literacy skills, and connect your community to real research in space, nature, history, health, and more. Your library becomes a place where people don’t just read about discoveries—they help make them.

Every observation, photo, or note from your community helps scientists protect nature, understand climate change, improve public health, explore space, preserve history, and more. Small actions add up to big discoveries—and it all starts at your library.

Getting Started

Materials

Preparation

Instructions

  • Introduce SciStarter and citizen science. Find facilitator resources here.
  • Demonstrate one or two projects (e.g., iNaturalist or
    Stall Catchers)
  • Guide participants through their first Act of Science
  • Share how to continue at home

TIP: Start with a few featured projects your community will enjoy and promote them with flyers or QR codes that link to instructions.

Connections to Unearth Your Story TM

Chapter 2: Fresh Dirt

Explore the science beneath your feet with Acts of Science projects on SciStarter (as seen on pg. 72 of the 2026 CSLP handbook).

  • Document what is on land with NASA GLOBE Observer: Land Cover –  Take photos, report on current surface conditions and classify land cover.
  • Test Your Soil to Determine if It’s Healthy and Safe with Soil Testing USA – Order or build your own an Enviro Bucket™ with testing. The kit will include instructions and everything you need to properly collect soil samples.

Chapter 6: America250

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary by joining the 2.50 Million Acts of Science Challenge this April during Citizen Science Month with SciStarter and all summer long.

  • Track local weather like Benjamin Franklin with CoCoRahs help scientists understand public health trends through online projects.
  • Document nature like early naturalists with iNaturalist – Take photos of plants, animals, or insects and share them with scientists using a free app.
  • Count Pollinators with The Great Sunflower Project – Monitor pollinator populations.
  • Explore Space Images with Zooniverse – Help researchers identify features in planetary images from space missions online.
  • Transcribe Historical Documents – Turn handwritten archives into searchable text by transcribing online.

Key Resources

SciStarter and CSLP logos showing partnership creation of site.