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Easy Citizen Science Projects for Everyday People

Petrina Darrah

Posted: April 28, 2023

Citizen science is a form of scientific research that involves members of the public in data collection, analysis, or other scientific processes. It is an accessible way for people to contribute to scientific research and learn about the natural world. There are many types of citizen science projects, ranging from tracking bird populations to monitoring pollution levels. Here are 10 easy citizen science projects that anyone can participate in.

Birdwatching

Birdwatching is a popular pastime that can also be a form of citizen science. There are many bird surveys that individuals can participate in, such as the Great Backyard Bird Count or eBird. These surveys ask participants to record the number and types of birds they see in a specific area. The data collected from these surveys is used by scientists to track changes in bird populations over time.

GVI offers programs where participants can contribute to bird monitoring efforts. For example, in Costa Rica, GVI volunteers help to monitor bird populations in the cloud forest reserve. This project involves recording bird sightings and conducting point counts to estimate the abundance of different species.

Star Gazing

Astronomy can also be a form of citizen science. Globe at Night and the Milky Way Project are two examples of citizen science projects that involve observing the night sky and recording the number of visible stars. This data is used by scientists to track light pollution and changes in the brightness of the night sky over time.

Plant Identification

Identifying and recording plant species can be a form of citizen science that contributes to research on biodiversity and climate change. iNaturalist and Project BudBurst are two examples of citizen science projects that involve recording observations of plant species in a specific area. The data collected from these projects is used to track changes in plant phenology (the timing of plant life cycle events) and the distribution of plant species.

Weather Tracking

Weather tracking is a form of citizen science that involves recording weather data and reporting it to scientists. CoCoRaHS and Weather Underground are two examples of citizen science projects that involve measuring and reporting precipitation, temperature, and other weather variables. The data collected from these projects is used by scientists to track changes in weather patterns over time.

Insect Monitoring

Monitoring insect populations can be a form of citizen science that contributes to research on biodiversity and ecosystem health. Bumble Bee Watch and Monarch Watch are two examples of citizen science projects that involve recording observations of insect species in a specific area. The data collected from these projects is used to track changes in insect populations over time.

GVI’s Costa Rica conservation program includes a project that involves monitoring butterfly populations in the cloud forest reserve. Volunteers learn to identify different butterfly species and record data on their abundance and distribution. This data is used by scientists to track changes in butterfly populations over time and to identify factors that may be affecting their health and survival.

Water Quality Monitoring

Water quality monitoring is a form of citizen science that involves testing the chemical and physical characteristics of water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. The data collected from these projects is used by scientists to identify sources of pollution and to track changes in water quality over time. Citizen science projects like the Global Rivers Environmental Education Network (GREEN) and the Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS) provide opportunities for individuals to participate in water quality monitoring.

Cloud Spotting

Cloud spotting is a form of citizen science that involves identifying and recording cloud types and formations. The data collected from cloud spotting projects is used by scientists to study climate patterns and changes in weather patterns over time. Projects like the Citizen Weather Observer Program and NASA’s GLOBE Program provide opportunities for individuals to participate in cloud spotting.

Citizen Archaeology

Citizen archaeology is a form of citizen science that involves helping archaeologists to locate and document archaeological sites. Projects like the GlobalXplorer and Archaeological Conservancy’s SiteWatch provide opportunities for individuals to participate in archaeological research and contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage.

Bat Monitoring

Monitoring bat populations can be a form of citizen science that contributes to research on biodiversity and ecosystem health. Projects like Bat Conservation International’s Bat Blitz and the North American Bat Monitoring Program provide opportunities for individuals to participate in bat monitoring research.

Citizen Oceanography

Citizen oceanography is a form of citizen science that involves helping scientists to monitor and study the oceans. Projects like the Ocean Observatories Initiative and the Plankton Portal provide opportunities for individuals to participate in oceanography research and contribute to our understanding of ocean ecosystems.

Citizen science projects provide opportunities for individuals to contribute to scientific research and to learn about the natural world. The projects listed above are just a few examples of the many citizen science projects available to people of all ages and backgrounds. GVI’s conservation volunteer programs offer opportunities for individuals to participate in many of these projects, providing a unique and meaningful way to engage with scientific research and contribute to global conservation efforts. By participating in citizen science projects, we can all play a role in shaping our understanding of the world around us and in protecting the planet for future generations.

By Petrina Darrah

Petrina Darrah is a freelance writer from New Zealand with a passion for outdoor adventure and sustainable travel. She has been writing about travel for more than five years and her work has appeared in print and digital publications including National Geographic Travel, Conde Nast Travel, Business Insider, Atlas Obscura and more. You can see more of her work at petrinadarrah.com.