SciStarter

?? Want to turn your Thanksgiving week into a mini adventure? Gather your family and friends to try hands-on #CitizenScience projects, like baking sourdough bread, observing seasonal changes in your own backyard, or tracking butterflies. It’s the perfect way to add a little exploration and discovery to your holiday! ?? No experience needed—just your curiosity and a sense of fun. Check out our holiday-inspired project menu: https://lnkd.in/gt4d7YEf

During Earth Month, Leave No Trace is hosting the second annual #LeaveNoTrash University Challenge designed to raise awareness of sustainability practices and low-waste efforts by engaging campuses in a friendly, cross-university challenge. Join us November 19 at 2PM ET to learn about the movement, what the data from last year can tell us, and prepare to get involved this April 2025 (#CitizenScienceMonth!)

Ever wondered what your cat’s quirky behavior really means? ?? From daring leaps to silly sploots, cats are full of surprises that science is only beginning to understand. Check out the latest blog post on SciStarter to learn how Darwin’s Cats is harnessing the power of community science to unlock the secrets of our feline friends’ genetics and behaviors. Your cat’s unique traits could help shape groundbreaking discoveries in feline health and well-being! Join Darwin’s Cats to be part of this cat-aloguing mission! Participate in fun, insightful surveys or donate to get a DNA kit for your cat. ?? Read the full blog and learn how you and your cat can be at the forefront of scientific discovery! https://lnkd.in/gSn3jn2y #DarwinsArk #DarwinsCats #CatScience #CommunityScience #CitizenScience Darwin's Ark

?? Exciting News! The Directory of Certified SciStarter Ambassadors is now live! In partnership with Arizona State University, National Girls Collaborative, and VolunteerMatch, our 1st cohort of SciStarter Ambassadors is ready to engage with libraries and community hubs to support citizen science across the country! We’re thrilled to spotlight each Ambassador in the coming weeks—stay tuned to meet them and learn more about their efforts in promoting science for all! See the full directory and discover how ?????? can become a #SciStarterAmbassador too: https://lnkd.in/ggPWME24 This project was made possible with support from Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Moore Foundation.

Calling all bird lovers and nature enthusiasts! Project #FeederWatch is back, running from now until April, and it’s YOUR chance to make a difference in bird conservation—all from the comfort of your backyard! This #CitizenScience project invites you to observe and log data on winter bird populations from wherever you are—be it home, a community garden, or your favorite park spot. Every bird count you share helps scientists track critical changes in bird populations and #migration patterns. It’s easy, fun, and perfect for nature lovers of all ages— get started today! ??? https://lnkd.in/gp2AQapD

Three SciStarter stars — Caroline Nickerson, Erica Prange & Catherine Price — reconnected at the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) conference! They have all made significant contributions to SciStarter & the field of #CitizenScience. Hooray for environmental education at #NAAEE2024!

Ready to turn your kitchen into a mini science lab? ???? In this SciStarter REPLAY, watch as Emma Giles and her cousin dive into the magic of #Sourdough for Science, walking through each step to create and study their own starter! Tap to watch the fascinating microbial journey unfold—and get started now so you can have homemade sourdough by Thanksgiving! https://lnkd.in/g7g5HW2z Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or just curious about the science behind the bubbles, this episode is a must-see!

Did you know tracking trees can unlock insights about climate change, forest health, and even support NASA research? ?? Dive into our latest blog to discover hands-on projects like #TreeSnap and The GLOBE Program: Trees, where your observations can help protect threatened species, support urban forests, or give scientists a clearer picture of our changing world. From measuring a tree to uncovering the nesting secrets of woodpeckers, there’s a project waiting for you. #CitizenScience ?? Tap to learn more and make an impact! https://lnkd.in/g-iPkgXu

?? Join Bob Hirshon from SciStarter as he explores the majestic Redwoods with The GLOBE Program: Trees Observer tool! With just a few steps on the GLOBE Observer app, you too can help track forest health and contribute to NASA’s vital research on carbon storage and climate impact. Start today and help monitor our planet’s #carbon balance! https://lnkd.in/gbf-mPW9

?? Did you know? Wildlife corridors are critical paths that help animals safely travel between habitats, boosting biodiversity and resilience in ecosystems! Join us on November 12 at 6 PM ET for a special episode of SciStarter LIVE, where we will sit down with HHMI Tangled Bank Studios and build on the Wild Hope TV episode about wildlife corridors, to explore how citizen science is playing a key role in mapping and protecting these essential routes...and how YOU can be a part of this work. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, a conservationist, or simply curious, join us to learn how you can contribute to conservation efforts through #CitizenScience. ?? Register now to save your spot! https://lnkd.in/gR-hsxM9