Host an Event or Program
Make a difference not just by being a citizen scientist, but by bringing people together to explore and discover through Citizen Science Month events! Anyone is welcome to do it!
As part of America250 — the nationwide commemoration of the United States’ 250th anniversary — SciStarter is rallying individuals and communities to contribute 2.50 Million Acts of Science in April 2026, turning libraries, museums, and community spaces into hubs for meaningful citizen‑science participation.
This page has everything you need, including planning checklists, ready-to-use materials, and more to help you get started and make a real impact in your community. If you manage a citizen science project, you can find resources on engaging your volunteers here.
Host a Livestream
Sign up to host an Acts of Science: Connected event in your community space. These are SciStarter-produced events that you can tap into as a satellite host.
Build Your Own Event/Program
We’ll walk you through the available planning, facilitation, and promotional resources we’ve made just for you.
Promote Citizen Science Month
Our Media toolkit includes Citizen Science Month logos, customizable templates, print-ready posters, social media caption guidance, and more.
Learn Phase
Goal: For you to get familiar with citizen science, so you feel ready to lead an event with confidence.
Timeline: Typically, this is done in the fall to prepare for an event during April’s Citizen Science Month, but you could do this anytime to get yourself started!
How to Use: Use these steps to guide you through the Learn Phase. Keep in mind that this is a suggested path – it’s not required! Reach out to us (info@scistarter.org) if you have any questions!
The Steps
1. Set yourself up for success (15 minutes): Schedule the time to do these steps! Notice they have time estimates, so you can do them together or chunk them over a few weeks. Do what works best for you. By the end, you’ll know your chosen project, your audience’s interests, and be ready for Phase 2!
2. Learn the basics (45 minutes – 1 hour): Take the Foundations of Citizen Science training module. You’ll learn what citizen science is, why it matters, and how to get involved through SciStarter.
3. Learn how to guide others (45 minutes – 1 hour): Complete the SciStarter Ambassador training module to build skills for introducing projects to others in your community. Optional: If you work in a library, take the specialized Libraries as Community Hubs for Citizen Science module.
4. Watch an overview (1 hour): Watch the Preparing for Citizen Science Month webinar to see examples of successful events and this year’s featured projects. You’ll get ideas for what kind of activity might fit your community.
5. Explore what interests your community (1–2 hours): Find out what your community would be interested in! Do this in whatever way works for your community. You could even hold a short community listening session or send a quick survey to see what topics (like nature, space, or health) spark the most excitement.
6. Explore and select your project (1–2 hours): Browse project ideas and pick one or two to focus on. Here are some places to start!
Tip: Try your chosen project yourself so you can better support participants later.
7. Pat yourself on the back! (1 minute): You finished the Learn Phase! Well done! You have learned so much and are ready to move on to Plan & Promote Phase where you start to make your ideas reality. (But maybe go get yourself a treat first to celebrate finishing this part!)
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Schedule the time to do these steps! Notice they have time estimates, so you can do them together or chunk them over a few weeks. Do what works best for you. By the end, you’ll know your chosen project, your audience’s interests, and be ready for Phase 2!
Take the Foundations of Citizen Science training module. You’ll learn what citizen science is, why it matters, and how to get involved through SciStarter.
Complete the SciStarter Ambassador training module to build skills for introducing projects to others in your community.
Optional: If you work in a library, take the specialized Libraries as Community Hubs for Citizen Science module.
Watch the Preparing for Citizen Science Month webinar to see examples of successful events and this year’s featured projects. You’ll get ideas for what kind of activity might fit your community.
Find out what your community would be interested in! Do this in whatever way works for your community. You could even hold a short community listening session or send a quick survey to see what topics (like nature, space, or health) spark the most excitement.
Browse project ideas and pick one or two to focus on:
Tip: Try your chosen project yourself so you can better support participants later.
You finished Phase 1: Learn! Well done! You have learned so much and are ready to move on to Phase 2: Plan & Promote. (But maybe go get yourself a treat first to celebrate finishing this part!)
Original Content
Take this time to deepen your understanding of citizen and community science and the goals of Citizen Science Month. Equip yourself with knowledge—and for your community, start building excitement and awareness around how anyone can contribute to real scientific research. Whether your efforts are big or small, events and programs offer meaningful opportunities to connect people with science that aligns with local values, interests, and history.
Free Training on Citizen Science Basics
Complete these free, self-guided, interactive trainings to learn the basics of citizen science and best practices for introducing participatory/citizen science in your community.
Foundations of Citizen Science training module
Learn the basics, discover why participation in scientific research matters, participate in projects, and make the most of SciStarter.
SciStarter Ambassador training module
Learn how to introduce citizen science to others in your community!
Libraries! There’s even a training made just for you: Libraries as Community Hubs for Citizen Science.
Get an overview of Citizen Science Month by watching our latest webinar [52 min], find all referenced resources in our link bank!
One hour a week and you’ll be prepared to every week – pick one thing off this list each week.
Preparing for Citizen Science Month 2026 [Webinar]
View this webinar recording and slides to see what’s involved in hosting an event and sneak a peek at this year’s featured programs.
Is your community interested in a particular topic, such as gardening or astronomy, health or the environment? Hold a community listening session or use survey templates to gather input on local priorities (e.g., environment, health, history). Find related Featured Projects or browse Event Recipe Cards with step-by-step project instructions, tips to discuss the project’s scientific goals, and suggested follow-on activities to sustain engagement and to follow the project’s progress and outcomes. Find these and other resources, below.
Note: We highly recommend you test out projects independently before choosing to introduce them to your attendees/visitors. You don’t need to be an expert – that’s what SciStarter is for – but a general familiarity will help. Activities are designed for a range of ages and experiences.
Find A Project
CitSciMonth 2026 Featured Projects
See projects that we are focusing on in April 2026.
Project Finder
Use our project finder to find the perfect project. Search by location, topic, and more!
Projects by Grade Level
Explore projects with classroom materials, organized by suggested grade level.
Projects for Civic Engagement
View curated lists that include follow on civic engagement activities.
Plan & Promote Phase
Goal: Create and share your plan for a Citizen Science Month event that fits your community’s interests and resources.
Timeline: This phase usually happens in winter and early spring as you prepare for an April event. You can also follow these steps anytime you’re planning a citizen science program.
How to Use: Follow these steps to organize and promote your event. This is a suggested path, not a strict checklist. Use what fits your timeline and community. Reach out to us if you need help along the way!
Suggested resources are linked throughout the steps, but you can find them all in our Google Drive!
The Steps
1. Set yourself up for success (15 minutes): Schedule time to complete this phase. Each step includes a time estimate, so you can work through them all at once or spread them out over a few weeks. By the end, you’ll have a clear plan for your event, a way to promote it, and the confidence to move into Phase 3: Act & Celebrate.
2. Choose your event format (30 minutes): Decide what kind of program works best for your community. Here are some program formats:
Tip: Keep it simple your first time. Even one short activity can spark interest and participation.
3. Plan your event details (1–2 hours): Use the Program Planning Tool or your own system to outline: Date and location, audience and partners, supplies, setup, and how participants will record their contributions on SciStarter. If you’re using an Event Recipe Card (like Globe at Night, Stall Catchers, or iNaturalist), note any prep work you’ll need to do ahead of time. Here are some guides:
- Introduction to Citizen Science: Slides, Guide, and Recipe Card
- Acts of Science: Connected Facilitation guide
- CoCoRaHS Edition Guide and Recipe Card
- Bingo Templates
4. Register your event (20 minutes): Go to SciStarter.org/add-event to make your event official. When you register, it becomes part of Citizen Science Month 2026, searchable in the SciStarter event database, and eligible for SciStarter promotion! (If your event is private, mark it as “not open to the public” in the form.)
5. Spread the word (1–2 hours total): Use the Media Toolkit to promote your event with ready-to-use materials like social media images, sample posts, and a press release. You can also make your own promo materials using Promo Photos and Social Media Assets to show what citizen science looks like in action. SciStarter has a ton of resources for you:
Libraries: Each Citizen Science Kit has its own kit-specific promotional materials on the Build-a-Kit page! You can also find more library-specific resources for planning and promoting here.
6. Prepare your team or volunteers (1–2 hours): Share your event plan with anyone helping you. Use the Media Toolkit for talking points or visuals.
7. Celebrate your upcoming event (10 minutes): Post about your upcoming program on social media with the hashtags #CitizenScienceMonth and #ActsofScience. Encourage your audience to invite friends or family! Remind them that anyone can join!
ORIGINAL Content
Citizen Science Promotional Materials
Build your own event with the help of our Program Planning Tool or tap into our keynote events, Acts of Science: Connected.
Program Planning Tool
Build your own event! This document will help you organize event elements to meet your community’s needs.
Acts of Science: Connected
Tap into our existing featured programs and sign up to be a livestream host.
Event Recipe Cards
Plan your event in minutes! Choose a project that aligns with your community’s interests (and your capacity!).
GLOBE AT NIGHT PROGRAM
Host a Star Party to Measure Light Pollution
Age Group: all ages
Event Timing and Location: 30–45 minutes, outdoors, at night
GREAT SUNFLOWER PROJECT PROGRAM
Host an Observation Event to Count Pollinators
Age Group: all ages
Event Timing and Location: 45 minutes – 1 hour, outdoors
STALL CATCHERS CATCH-A-THON
Host a Catch-a-thon to Advance Alzheimer’s Research
Age Group: all ages
Event Timing and Location: 45 min-1 hour, indoors, on computers
ISEECHANGE
Share your experiences with climate change.
Age Group: all ages
Event Timing and Location: 30 min-1 hour, outdoors
INATURALIST PROGRAM
Host a Data-gathering Event About Local Biodiversity
Age Group: all ages
Event Timing and Location: 45 min-1 hour, outdoors
FOUNDATIONS OF CITIZEN SCIENCE
Help People Learn About and Experience Citizen Science
Age Group: Teens and Adults
Event Timing and Location: 1 hour, indoors
In the winter and early spring, spread the word to your community! Train staff and volunteers, set up posters and passive programming to socialize “Acts of Science” in your community. This phase ensures everyone has the skills, tools, and confidence to take action together—fostering local ownership and sustainability.
Now that you’re up to speed on citizen science and have a plan for your April event, it’s time to register your event on SciStarter.org/add-event. This will ensure it is officially part of Citizen Science Month 2026!
Events will be searchable in the SciStarter event database, on an interactive map, and promoted by SciStarter. If your event is not open to the public, simply note “this event is not open to the public” in the event description when you register.
Media Toolkit
Social media assets, images, a press release template and more.
Flyers and Postcards
Promote participation through informative postcards and flyers.
Visit the “Promotional Resources” tab to find all customizable promotional materials, including a social media toolkit, press release, images, and posters and more to promote your event.
You can use these materials to promote citizen science activities anytime, though some are tailored specifically for April. To make the greatest impact, we recommend promoting your April activities as soon as your plans are in place.
Now that you’re familiar with citizen science and have started planning your April event, it’s time to register it at SciStarter.org/add-event. Registering ensures your event is:
- Officially part of Citizen Science Month 2026
- Searchable in the SciStarter event database
- Eligible for promotion by SciStarter
*If your event is not open to the public, simply note that in the “How to Join” section when registering.
Media Toolkit
Social media assets, images, a press release template and more.
Flyers and Postcards
Promote participation through informative postcards and flyers.
Additional Resources:
Pollinator Poster
Promotes participation in projects focused on pollinator activity.
Bird Poster
Promotes participation in projects focused on bird activity.
Bookmarks
Set of four double-sided bookmarks featuring different citizen science projects. 2.5×8.5 inches.
Stickers
Round 1 ⅔-inch stickers. For use with Avery template 5293.
Promo Photos and Social Media Assets
Promo Photos
Photos of citizen science in action that can be used in flyers, posters and other marketing materials.
Social Media Assets
Images to use, formatted for social media including Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn.
Citizen Science Kit Promotional Materials
If you’re looking for kit-specific promotional materials, check out the build-a-kit page. Each kit has a set of resources, including rack card designs, shelf-talkers, bookmarks, and more.
Act & Celebrate Phase
Goal: Host your event, guide your community through citizen science activities, and celebrate the impact you’ve made together.
Timeline: This phase happens during April’s Citizen Science Month, when communities everywhere are taking part. You can adapt the same steps for events anytime of year.
How to Use: Follow these steps to carry out your event, collect your “Acts of Science,” and wrap up with simple ways to share and celebrate your success.
The Steps
1. Set yourself up for success (15 minutes): Look at your calendar and block time for this phase, especially your event date and 1–2 short follow-up sessions for reporting and celebration. Setting aside time now helps you stay organized and ready to enjoy your event instead of rushing through it.
2. Confirm your event details (15–30 minutes): Double-check your event plan before launch day.
- Confirm your date, location, and project links.
- Test any tech (projector, Wi-Fi, slides, or livestream).
- Gather printed materials or signage.
- If hosting an Acts of Science: Connected Livestream, log in early to ensure your setup works smoothly.
3. Lead your event (time varies by format): Here you get to use the facilitation guide, recipe card, or whatever plan you made for your event (see Plan & Promote Phase)! During your event, welcome participants and explain how their contributions help real research. And don’t forget to snap a few photos for social media or a recap later!
4. [REQUIRED] Report your Acts of Science (15 minutes): After your event, go to SciStarter.org/go/report and submit your attendance numbers and estimated Acts of Science completed. This helps track national impact and ensures your community’s contributions count toward Citizen Science Month totals.
5. Celebrate your community (30 minutes): Thank your participants and share what they accomplished! You can do this several ways – Post a short recap or photo on social media with #CitizenScienceMonth and #ActsofScience, offer certificates or bookmarks as keepsakes, display results, stories, or photos in your space or newsletter. You could even host a short “what we discovered” showcase in May or during a community event to keep the momentum going! Speaking of which…
6. Keep the curiosity going (30 minutes): Help participants stay involved beyond April by sharing ongoing opportunities like inviting them to create a SciStarter account for updates and future projects, exploring projects with civic engagement extensions, or even reading citizen science inspired books!
And if you’re a library, check out our partnership with the Collaborative Summer Library Program for ways to connect citizen science to summer reading.
7. Reflect and plan ahead (15 minutes): Take a few minutes to jot down what worked well and what you’d change next time. Use your notes to prepare for next year’s Citizen Science Month or implement citizen science year round!
🎉 Congratulations! 🎉
You’ve brought science to life in your community and helped people see that discovery is something we can all take part in and share. Whether your event was big or small, your efforts added to a national movement of learning, connection, and curiosity!
ORIGINAL Content
Citizen Science Promotional Materials
April is the time to report your Acts of Science!
Engage your community in Citizen Science Month—and celebrate the impact! This phase transforms inspiration and preparation into meaningful action—reminding all participants that small Acts of Science lead to BIG impact and science is a tool for building a better tomorrow.
For every program and event, estimate attendance and data contributions made to projects to report back to us on SciStarter.org.
Acts of Science: Connected Facilitation Guide
TK
April
Anywhere
Foundations of Citizen Science, Customizable
Requires projector and A/V equipment
Passive Programming Resources
An Introduction to Citizen Science: Slides and Guide
Based on the Foundations of Citizen Science Training Module, this guide and presentation is designed to help you facilitate an introduction to citizen science for your audience. Download the slides to customize. For example, you may want to insert different practice projects that relate more to your audience. We suggest you include time to demonstrate how to sign up for a SciStarter account.
Anytime leading up to April
Anywhere
Foundations of Citizen Science, Customizable
Requires projector
Acts of Science Facilitator Guide: CoCoRaHS Edition
This guide is designed to help you plan, promote, and lead a successful event where attendees will discover that scientists truly need their help—and that they can play a real role in research that benefits their community through simple acts of science.
Daily Monitoring
North America
Precipitation & Weather, Supplement to Community Gardens, Data Literacy
Requires specific low-cost tool, printable data sheets, external account required
What happens after April?
We do citizen science year round! Create a free SciStarter Account to ensure you get all the updates and event notifications.