Written by Gregg Payne
18 September 2024
đź•“ 4 min
Citizen science is an exciting movement that involves everyday people, including children and families, in real-world scientific research. From monitoring wildlife to collecting data on climate change, citizen science projects allow individuals without formal scientific training to contribute to important research efforts. It’s a great way to introduce children to science, foster curiosity, and make meaningful contributions to the scientific community. Let’s dive into what citizen science is, why it’s important, and how your family can get involved!
Citizen science refers to scientific research that is carried out with the help of volunteers—ordinary people who gather data, conduct experiments, or observe phenomena to assist scientists in their studies. Participants don’t need to be experts; they just need curiosity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to follow project guidelines.
There are citizen science projects covering all sorts of topics, including:
Many of these projects are open to anyone, including families and schools, and they’re a great way to make science accessible to children while contributing to real research.
Citizen science is vital for several reasons:
Citizen science also teaches the value of observation, curiosity, and teamwork—skills that are crucial in many areas of life.
For more on fostering curiosity and observation in children, check out our post Encouraging Parents to Help Their Children Develop Observation Skills in Science.
There are many fantastic citizen science projects that children and families can participate in. Here are a few examples:
The Big Butterfly Count is a popular citizen science project where participants count and record butterfly species in their local area. By tracking butterfly populations, scientists can learn more about the health of our environment. It’s a fun way to engage children with nature and get them outdoors.
Globe at Night is an international citizen science project that asks participants to measure light pollution in their area. By observing the night sky and recording how many stars they can see, participants help scientists understand the global effects of light pollution on wildlife and human health.
FrogWatch USA is a citizen science programme that tracks the populations of frogs and toads across the United States. By learning to identify frog calls, participants help monitor amphibian populations, which are important indicators of environmental health.
Zooniverse is an online platform that hosts a variety of citizen science projects. From classifying galaxies to identifying animals in camera trap footage, Zooniverse offers plenty of opportunities for children and families to contribute to cutting-edge research from the comfort of their own home.
Getting involved in citizen science is easy, and you can do it from home, in your garden, or on family trips. Here’s how you can get started:
Citizen science offers several benefits for children:
Citizen science is an incredible way for families to engage in meaningful scientific work while spending quality time together. It encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper connection to the natural world. Whether observing wildlife, monitoring the environment, or exploring the stars, citizen science makes learning fun and helps children understand that science is for everyone.
If your child loves exploring the world of science, why not sign them up for our Science of Sound holiday camps? Our camps provide fun, hands-on activities that teach children about science, technology, and the environment. Learn more about our upcoming camps here and give your child an unforgettable experience!