A world of scientific exploration opened up to us when I discovered that there were dozens of ways my kids could participate in authentic scientific research and studies overseen by professional scientists from our own backyard. Have you heard about Citizen Science?
Citizen Science projects are scientific initiatives supported by universities, research laboratories, scientists and/or organizations that seek to involve individuals, schools and communities in the collection of samples and data. Some run for a few days, others over a longer period of time involving a lengthy commitment.
With Citizen Science projects happening worldwide across a plethora of scientific areas, you are certain to find one that intrigues you and your kidlets. Last year we participated in the
Bathing Birds Initiative. Right now we are excited about the
School of Ants project headed by Dr Kirsti Abbott.
I first heard about the School of Ants project when listening to my weekly
Conversations with Richard Fidler Podcast
. He was speaking to Dr Kirsti Abbott about her study of ants. She was fascinating to listen to and that brief interview changed my entire perspective of ants. I never realised that there are currently 13,000 different species of ants described in the world nor did I know that the vast majority are female! Of course my next step was to research more and I quickly found Dr Abbott’s website and discovered that the School of Ants was a Citizen Science project. We could be involved!
Image: Supplied
There is no cost to join the School of Ants project although you will need to invest in some index cards, cotton wool balls, Arnott’s Scotch finger, sugar water, small zip lock sandwich bags and a large zip lock sandwich bag, tough postage bag and cocktail frankfurts to collect and track your specimens.
The School of Ants collection dates for 2015 are 22nd April, 6th May, 10th June, 15th July, 19th August, 16th September, 21st October and 18th November. I am so excited and think I will even introduce the idea at my school! (there’s a plethora of Educational resources available here)
Register for School of Ants
Full School of Ants participation instructions
I know you are completely captivated by the idea of a Citizen Science project after reading all this, aren’t you? If you would like to widen your scientific scope beyond ant study I have listed some great sources of Citizen Science projects that you can participate in right now. Have fun and let us know how you go.
Zooniverse: As the largest repository of Citizen Science projects in the world, this site offers a catalogue of current projects ready for you to join. I counted 28 projects available right now which could have you and the kidlets exploring space, the ocean, worms or even cyclones to name just a few.
Your WildLife: Another great website that brings to gather a number of Citizen Science projects that you can participate in from your own home. The team behind
Your WildLife have set our to study the everyday places that are little studied from the surface of our skin to our backyards. Their
current projects include
Belly Button Biodiversity which I think we will be signing up for!
Other Citizen Science projects that I have uncovered include:
DustWatch is a community program that monitors and reports on the extent and severity of wind erosion across Australia.
Have fun!
