What is Citizen Science?
Citizen science, put simply, is the involvement of non-scientists in scientific research. It is a terrific tool for both educators and scientists. The research process begins with posing questions for investigation, includes hypothesizing, designing methods, and collecting and analyzing data, and culminates in sharing research findings with other people. Students, teachers, and other citizens can be involved with one or more of these steps. Why is Tremont involved in citizen science? At Tremont, we are using citizen science as another tool to connect people with nature. By giving students and volunteers hands-on experience with real research projects, we are able to engage and excite them. The knowledge that they have helped scientists learn something new about Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a memory that stays with students for a long time. If you have been coming to Tremont for a while, you’ve probably already been doing citizen science, perhaps as part of our weather monitor
Citizen Science is the collection of scientific data by individuals who are not professional scientists. They are prepared for their work as citizen scientists by professional biologists from the land management agency. These projects are on-going and consist of a network of volunteers. Citizen Science networks are very important. The citizen science monitoring programs would not be the success it is without the participation of citizen scientists. Without these dedicated volunteers, too few data would be collected to accomplish research objectives. Much of what has been learned about the monarch butterfly and its migration is the result of citizen science projects.
If you watch birds at a backyard feeder, notice the movements of deer or other animals in your area, or take note of the water clarity in a nearby stream or lake, you have conducted citizen science. Citizen science is simply scientific work conducted by people who don’t necessarily have specific scientific training. Through the efforts of citizens, scientists can efficiently obtain more data than they could otherwise. Observations made by citizen scientists are then recorded on data bases and used by people the world over. The CCESR Citizen Science Field Day is for anyone who enjoys being outside and investigating the natural world. The different projects are suitable for families, individuals, scouts, 4-H, and school groups. Featured programs include the Monarch Larvae Monitoring Project (University of Minnesota), Citizens Lake and Stream Monitoring Program (MN PCA), Minnesota Odonata Survey Project (MNDNR), Project BudBurst, and the Red-Headed Woodpecker Recovery Program. Come hear s
Citizen science, put simply, is the involvement of non-scientists in scientific research. It is a terrific tool for both educators and scientists. The research process begins with posing questions for investigation, includes hypothesizing, designing methods, and collecting and analyzing data, and culminates in sharing research findings with other people. Students, teachers, and other citizens can be involved with one or more of these steps. Why is Tremont involved in citizen science? At Tremont, we are using citizen science as another tool to connect people with nature. By giving students hands-on experience with real research projects, we are able to engage and excite them. The knowledge that they have helped scientists learn something new about Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a memory that stays with students for a long time. If you have been coming to Tremont for a while, you’ve probably already been doing citizen science, perhaps as part of our weather monitoring study or ou
VINS scientists partner with volunteers to help answer research questions that require an army of observers. Volunteers, often people with little or no formal scientific training, are given the opportunity to learn about wildlife and pressing conservation issues, while scientists are able to answer questions over vast geographic and time scales. Who are Citizen Scientists? In 2006, over 1,000 volunteers contributed time and information as VINS citizen scientists. These volunteers hailed from nearly 160 Vermont towns (see map) and 13 states. To become a citizen scientist, choose a project below that best suits your schedule, interests, and experience. There’s something for everyone – from the novice observer eager to learn, to the expert naturalist seeking new challenges.
