15. 6 Citizen Science Projects for Elementary Students and Teachers

Naturally Teaching Elementary Science

Citizen science projects are amazing, real-world opportunities to develop your students' science skills, get them involved in the community, have them contribute to the scientific community, and to nurture future stewards of the Earth. But what are citizen science projects?

Citizen science projects are opportunities for non-scientists to collect and report data to scientists who then analyze the data, find patterns and discoveries, and use their findings to correct misinformation, inform conservation decisions, and more.

In this episode, I describe 6 different citizen science projects paired to Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-5. Listen in to find out the nitty gritties including who sponsors the projects, how to submit data, how the project is related to the standard, and more.

Kindergarten: mPing - observing precipitation

1st Grade: eBird - submitting sound wave data

2nd Grade: The Great Sunflower Project - observing pollination

3rd Grade: Journey North Monarch Butterflies - observing life cycles of Monarch butterflies and Milkweed plants

4th Grade: S'COOL - observing clouds

5th Grade: The Great Backyard Bird Count - submitting bird sightings

Resources mentioned 💚

• The Great Backyard Bird Count: How to Take Part for Elementary Teachers
• Episode 10: 10 Best Nature Apps to Use in the Elementary Classroom
• The Great Backyard Bird Count - Citizen Science Projects for 5th Graders

Topics in this episode: citizen science projects, mPing, eBird, The Great Sunflower Project, Journey North, Monarch butterflies, S'COOL, The Great Backyard Bird Count

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