2013: My Year of Citizen Science
Note: My year has now passed, but you can read a summary from the year, here. Most of the projects below can be done at any time, so please do have a browse and give them a try.
Science isn’t just for scientists, and you don’t have to be deep in the Amazon rainforest or on a remote Pacific Atoll to get involved with important conservation projects. In fact, although lots of ‘proper scientists’ are experts in their small fields, when it comes to any other topic, they are just citizen scientists too.
I think the real power of citizen science is down to three things.
- It allows ordinary people to take part in real, important, awesome science projects.
- Research has shown that data quality from Citizen Scientists can be excellent.
- It makes huge ambitious project possible, thanks to an army of volunteers.
So here’s to the hundreds and thousands of wildlife loving armchair naturalists up and down the country, I hope you’ll accept my challenge.
Every month, I’m going to champion a new Citizen Science project or theme, and give you everything you need to get involved. We’ll start small, in fact in January we’ll start from the comfort of your armchair or the security of your smart phone. We’ll grow, and by the end of the year you’ll be a veteran citizen scientist. Stay tuned.
Citizen Science And How Expeditions Can Leave A Lasting Legacy
From the swarms of crabs rolling across the beach, the militant camels that would raid our flour supplies, evening camp fires with our new Omani friends and of course the jet black night sky...
Citizen Science Challenge #10: Evangelise
What I'm really interested in doing is introducing citizen science to people who have never tried it, never heard of it and think it sounds boring.
Citizen Science Challenge #9: Geology
Geology rocks. With that out of the way, onwards to explore the surprising variety of citizen geo-science projects that you can get involved in.
Citizen Science Challenge #8: Oceans
You can help monitor phytoplankton in the worlds oceans by building a simple Secchi Disk and joining the Secchi Project.
Citizen Science Challenge #7: Big Butterfly Count
I'll be the first to admit that it can be tough to persuade people to assess the health of trees or fish around in ponds for amphibians, but butterflies really sell themselves.
Citizen Science Challenge #6: Tree Health Survey
The newest initiative in my Year of Citizen Science, this month we're on the look out for invasive pests.