Every spring, I think about how to keep students excited about science over the summer. How do I keep them talking about science and using their science skills?
One thing I've found to be REALLY effective is connecting students with citizen science projects. These projects not only keep students curious and engaged, but also allow them to make meaningful contributions to research.
Here are some projects I've collected so you can check them out for your students!
1. GLOBE at Night
GLOBE at Night is a project where students help measure light pollution by observing and reporting the brightness of the night sky. It's easy - all they need is a clear night and a view of the stars.
Learn more and get started here
2. iNaturalist
Your students can become nature explorers in their own neighborhoods! Using the iNaturalist app, they take pictures of plants, animals, and insects and upload them. These observations help scientists track biodiversity and understand species distribution.
Join the iNaturalist community
3. Project Squirrel
This project invites students to observe and report on squirrel behavior and populations in their area. It helps scientists understand how squirrels interact with their environments and adapt to urban settings. It's perfect for a simple, local project.
Get involved with Project Squirrel
4. Journey North: Monarch Butterfly Migration
This one is probably my favorite. Students track the migration of monarch butterflies by reporting sightings of butterflies, eggs, and milkweed plants. This project helps scientists study migration patterns and the health of this vital species. Not into butterflies? They have other species you can help track as well.
5. Foldit
For all your gamers, Foldit is an online game that challenges players to fold proteins into specific shapes. These solutions help scientists understand protein folding, essential for various biological and medical studies.
Play Foldit and contribute to science
6. The Great Sunflower Project
Students can help track bee populations by planting sunflowers and observing the bees that visit them. Their data contributes to studies on bee health and helps scientists protect these critical pollinators.
Join The Great Sunflower Project
These projects give students a fun and engaging way to spend their summers, and they'll gain hands-on experience in scientific observation and data collection. It's a win-win!