Featured Sites Week of: Apr 26, 2026 - Citizen Science Resources
Here are this week's features. Clicking the tags in the description area of each listing will present a list of other resources with this topic. | Click here to return to the Featured Sites Archive
Butterfly Counts - North American Butterfly Association
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1 to 12
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The Butterfly Counts section on the North American Butterfly Association website outlines a citizen science program that tracks butterfly populations through annual counts in the U.S.,...more
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The Butterfly Counts section on the North American Butterfly Association website outlines a citizen science program that tracks butterfly populations through annual counts in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. It details how to participate in or start a butterfly count in a specific area, aiming to gather data for environmental research and increase public awareness about butterflies.
tag(s): butterflies (14), citizen science (43), data (212), maps (224)
In the Classroom
Based on research from the site, have students design a school garden to attract butterflies, documenting their project using a website tool like Carrd, reviewed here. Employ an animation tool like Brush Ninja, reviewed here to have students create an animation showing the lifecycle of a butterfly they learned about. Have students use a digital presentation tool like Google Slides, reviewed here to create a virtual exhibit on different butterfly species, incorporating findings from the butterfly counts.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Celebrate Urban Birds - Cornell Lab of Ornithology
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1 to 12
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Celebrate Urban Birds is a project by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that involves urban communities in birdwatching and conservation activities. The Explore and Learn section features...more
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Celebrate Urban Birds is a project by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that involves urban communities in birdwatching and conservation activities. The Explore and Learn section features Regional Kits and Guides, Educational Guides, and podcasts. It encourages collaborative science through data submission on bird observations and provides mini-grants for community projects.
tag(s): birds (47), cities (17), citizen science (43)
In the Classroom
Have students use the website to identify local birds and then observe them in their schoolyard or backyards. Have students record their sightings and behaviors using Google Forms, reviewed here. then your class can review and create an infographic of the data using Infogram, reviewed here Using guidance from the site, have your class design and plant a garden that attracts local birds, documenting the process and bird visits on a blog. After studying birds on the website, students create artworks inspired by what they've learned and display them digitally on a platform like Artsonia, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Citizen Science Projects - National Geographic Education
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3 to 12
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Discover the many ways to become involved in citizen science projects through local and large-scale observations and activities by visiting the ideas shared on this page from National...more
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Discover the many ways to become involved in citizen science projects through local and large-scale observations and activities by visiting the ideas shared on this page from National Geographic Education. Ideas and links include opportunities to participate in a bird census, monitor local bodies of water, collect weather data, and more. Click on each project's shared link to learn more about its activities and how to participate.
tag(s): animals (274), birds (47), butterflies (14), citizen science (43), ecosystems (105), life cycles (22), oceans (142), photography (136), planets (123), plants (141), stars (78), STEM (371), weather (175)
In the Classroom
Add this page to your bookmarks for citizen science opportunities for you and your students to participate in. Find additional ideas by visiting TeachersFirst's Citizen Science Resources Special Topics Page, reviewed here. Include citizen science projects to extend learning by building them into your current science lessons. Create free scientific observation journals at Canva Storyboard Templates, reviewed here for students to record, organize, and share information. Ask older students to share data by creating graphs on Livegap Charts, reviewed here or use Google's Data Gif Maker, reviewed here when working with younger students.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Planet Bee Foundation - Planet Bee Foundation Programs
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1 to 12
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Planet Bee Foundation, a pollinator conservation and science education leader, invites educators and community members to join their "Bees in Science" program. As part of its commitment...more
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Planet Bee Foundation, a pollinator conservation and science education leader, invites educators and community members to join their "Bees in Science" program. As part of its commitment to citizen science, Planet Bee offers engaging community science projects that empower participants to contribute to pollinator conservation and agricultural innovations. Through initiatives like Native Bee Community Science Project and Pollinator Safari, participants can become citizen scientists, track pollinator health, and support local bee populations. Educators can register their classes for these projects, providing students with hands-on learning experiences that foster curiosity, scientific inquiry, and environmental stewardship.
tag(s): citizen science (43), insects (63)
In the Classroom
To engage your students, consider using a platform like Padlet, reviewed here to create interactive discussions where students can share their observations and findings from citizen science projects like ZomBee Watch or the Native Bee Community Science Project. This is a link to Padlet's Help section for posting video or an image. You can then integrate virtual learning experiences and take students on virtual pollinator safaris, allowing them to explore different ecosystems and observe pollinators in their natural habitats. Many Zoos and other organizations have virtual tours you can use. To extend learning beyond the classroom, collaborate with local environmental organizations and/or collect data on your own and identify pollinators in your area.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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25 Subject-Integrated Citizen Science Project Ideas for Students of All Ages - Eperiential Learning Depot
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K to 12
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This blog post provides resources for educators, parents, and students interested in exploring science through hands-on, real-world experiences featuring projects that cover various...more
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This blog post provides resources for educators, parents, and students interested in exploring science through hands-on, real-world experiences featuring projects that cover various scientific disciplines, from astronomy to zoology. The featured projects include a range of ideas for students of all ages, ranging from tracking bird populations to studying the effects of light pollution on fireflies. Select the link to any featured project to find a list of materials, instructions, and additional information for participating.
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tag(s): birds (47), butterflies (14), citizen science (43), climate (95), habitats (104), insects (63), migration (45), plants (141), STEM (371), water (104)
In the Classroom
Browse through this list of citizen science projects to find classroom science projects, then work together to choose the project that interests your students. Consider using FigJam, reviewed here, as a starting point to engage students and share information about potential projects. For example, create a Jamboard slide for each possible project, add important information, then ask students to add sticky notes with their ideas. After choosing a project, work together to make science journals that detail your work. Gather and share data using an easy chart-creation tool like Livegap Charts, reviewed here, as you analyze information. Use the tools found at Canva for Education, reviewed here, to share your results with timelines, infographics, and posters.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Citizen Community Science for Bees - The Bee Conservancy
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K to 12
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Join scientists in advancing bee research as citizen scientists with a snap of a picture. Using the iNaturalist app, citizen scientists find and photograph pollinators, then share their...more
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Join scientists in advancing bee research as citizen scientists with a snap of a picture. Using the iNaturalist app, citizen scientists find and photograph pollinators, then share their images with millions of scientists. Begin by downloading the app from Google Play or the Apple App store for free, then create an account. Next, create a free account with the Bee Conservancy to receive updates and helpful tips. After taking pictures, upload and share your images with bee experts.
tag(s): citizen science (43), habitats (104), insects (63)
In the Classroom
Share the Bee Conservancy project with students to participate in at home or join as a class. Be sure to take appropriate precautions when photographing bees and identify students who are allergic. Add your images to a class website created with Webnode, reviewed here or any other free and simple website creator. In addition to student images, add descriptions of the bees' locations; then, as students become more proficient in recognizing the different types of bees, add labels to share the name of the species in the image. Finally, extend student learning using Microsoft PowerPoint Online, reviewed here, to create interactive lessons about bees and their habits, including videos, articles, and quizzes.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Community Science Opportunities - The Maritime Aquarium
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K to 12
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Become a citizen scientist by participating in one or more community science opportunities the Maritime Aquarium shares. Projects include a City Nature Challenge, Frog Watch, The Great...more
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Become a citizen scientist by participating in one or more community science opportunities the Maritime Aquarium shares. Projects include a City Nature Challenge, Frog Watch, The Great Backyard Bird Count, and others. Most activities are available for anyone in the international community; view the information to learn about dates and ways to become involved.
tag(s): animals (274), birds (47), citizen science (43), data (212), environment (253)
In the Classroom
Consider participating in one of the community science opportunities shared on this site as an investigative science project, even if the actual date of the event has passed. For example, The Great Backyard Bird Count takes place in February; however, any student or class can complete it over four days without concerns about grade level. After tallying your bird count, create an easy graph using the Data Gif Maker, reviewed here. Extend student learning by completing another bird count at a different time of the year, then have students analyze and compare their graphs and data collection information. Use one of the many tools found at Canva Edu, reviewed here to create and share presentations, images, or videos.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Citizen Science Month - Arizona State University and SciStarter
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K to 12
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Learn the basics of citizen science and find ideas for projects and events for beginners and experienced scientists at the Citizen Science Month site. Begin by scrolling down to the...more
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Learn the basics of citizen science and find ideas for projects and events for beginners and experienced scientists at the Citizen Science Month site. Begin by scrolling down to the What is an Act of Sciencel to learn the basics of citizen science and earn a digital badge upon completing the module. Follow-up modules are available to extend learning in data literacy, using libraries as hubs, and more. Other information on this site includes a database of science projects, a library network with free resources for creating an event, and a calendar of upcoming events. Registration isn't required to view information on the site; however, creating a free account is required to complete the tutorials and access the complete database of science projects.
tag(s): citizen science (43), data (212), ecology (118), engineering (141), genetics (82), inquiry (34), medicine (53), psychology (60), statistics (129), STEM (371)
In the Classroom
Explore the many free projects Citizen Science offers to engage students in scientific exploration and inquiry that match your curriculum. Consider working together as a class to complete the Citizen Science Tutorial and earn the digital badge. As students work together to collect and analyze data, use Livegap Charts, reviewed here, to enter data and create customized charts. After working in groups or together as a class, to analyze the information learned, create a presentation to share with parents and peers during a Citizen Science night event. Use presentation tools such as Bulb, reviewed here, to create portfolios or Visme, reviewed here, to create and share audio slide presentations.
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Journey North - Journey North
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3 to 12
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Journey North is a citizen science program for collaborating and documenting the migration of animals and insects. Become involved by adding your images and sightings, or follow the...more
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Journey North is a citizen science program for collaborating and documenting the migration of animals and insects. Become involved by adding your images and sightings, or follow the site to view the observations of others through maps, images, and descriptions. Within each topic find information about the animal and their migration habits along with links to additional resources. Take your journey a step further by exploring maps around the world.
tag(s): animal homes (53), animals (274), citizen science (43), insects (63), migration (45), Project Based Learning (28), scientists (72)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of this site to teach students about animal migration and the activities of scientists. Include a link to the site on classroom computers to follow updates and record sightings. Even if you don't participate by sharing information on the site, consider using the site as a model for observations in your area and possibly a mini project based learning unit. Use Microsoft Office or Google Docs to create a spreadsheet to record sightings including dates, images, and the person doing the sighting. As students view different animals, encourage them to research and learn more about them and share their learning by creating infographics using Canva Infographic Maker, reviewed here. Extend classroom technology use by having students include their infographics on webpages created using Carrd, reviewed here. Carrd is a simple yet attractive-looking tool for creating websites for even less tech-savvy users. Redefine classroom technology use and learning and ask students to use Odyssey, reviewed here, to design an interactive map including images, text, and other multimedia to tell the story of migration.
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Project Budburst - Chicago Botanic Garden
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K to 12
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Collect data about plants, learn about climate change, and participate by posting your findings for both with Project Budburst. Join Project Budburst and become part of a community...more
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Collect data about plants, learn about climate change, and participate by posting your findings for both with Project Budburst. Join Project Budburst and become part of a community of citizen scientists! Record the observations of first leafing, first flower, etc. (especially for native plant species), and have them reported to a national database. Under the Activities tab at the top find For Educators and from there scroll down the page to choose curricula by grade level (PreK-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, and Higher Education). You may also want to check out Groups. For K-12 there are lists for National Science Education Standards (NSES) and Common Core Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics. Under each level find helpful guides for using the site and supplemental activities. Registration is free and allows for reporting data and becoming a citizen scientist.
tag(s): citizen science (43), environment (253), plants (141), Project Based Learning (28), scientific method (49)
In the Classroom
Bring your science class to life and the "real world" for students using Project BudBurst's free resources. Captivate student interest by having them discover the importance of nature and our interactions with it. Participants must be 13 years of age to set up an account. Since participation requires registration with email, for young students consider using a "class set" of Gmail subaccounts, explained here; this tells how to configure Gmail subaccounts to use for any online membership service. Using Gmail subaccounts will provide anonymous interaction within your class. Add to the growing database and document plant phenology as seen in your area. As you discuss various types of plants, assign students to take pictures of the stages observed, make observations about the stages, and then modify classoom technology use by having students create an infographic sharing their findings using Canva Infographic Maker, reviewed here. This resource is perfect for use in a project based learning unit.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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BirdSleuth - Cornell University
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3 to 12
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Join BirdSleuth is an inquiry-based science curriculum that engages kids in scientific study. Use real data collection and the scientific process. Study nature and discover the real-world...more
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Join BirdSleuth is an inquiry-based science curriculum that engages kids in scientific study. Use real data collection and the scientific process. Study nature and discover the real-world importance of data (entered by students and used by scientists). Search Lessons and Activities by grade level K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, and International. Each grade level has several categories such as Kits and Curriculum units, Free Downloads, Posters, Cards, Games, & More. Some free lessons and activities are: Citizen Science Bird Quest, Feathered Friends, Investigating Evidence, HomeSchoolers' Guide to Project Feeder Watch, Evolution in Paradise, Using eBird with Groups, Explore Life Cycles Through Nesting Birds, and lots more. Kits are available for purchase.
tag(s): birds (47), citizen science (43), environment (253), scientific method (49)
In the Classroom
Science classes come alive using BirdSleuth's free resources. Captivate students while discovering the importance of nature and our interactions with it. In gifted classes, use this idea as an example of project-based learning. Pair it with a book such as Hoot by Carl Hiaasen to include ties with literature. Use this resource to build understanding of stewardship in our environment and of man's impact on nature. Develop research and include language arts standards to document the research, study, and findings.
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SciStarter - Science for Citizens LLC
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K to 12
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Find citizen science projects that are available for students. View the video What is Citizen Science? Choose projects for PreK-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, and for college students. Each project...more
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Find citizen science projects that are available for students. View the video What is Citizen Science? Choose projects for PreK-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, and for college students. Each project has a video, thorough directions, and links for additional resources. Science teachers register and can sign up for email newsletters describing the projects. Example projects include: Budburst, Project Squirrel, Globe At Night, Crowd the Tap, and Land Loss Lookout. Topics range from weather to birds to medicine to sound. Rather than focusing on teaching content, the activities focus on using scientific communities to connect and immerse students in the science.
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tag(s): animals (274), archeology (26), birds (47), citizen science (43), ecology (118), environment (253), geology (61), insects (63), medicine (53), oceans (142), Project Based Learning (28), science fairs (20), scientific method (49), sound (74), space (248), transportation (31), weather (175)
In the Classroom
Find a great project for your students to participate in, entering data and looking at the results. Search by activity or topic to find a project geared towards your students age range, curriculum, and ability to complete. Have students make a multimedia presentation about one of the "projects" using one of the many TeachersFirst Edge tools reviewed here. Some tool suggestions are (click on the tool name to access the review): Google Slides reviewed here, Aminatron reviewed here, and Inkscape reviewed here. This resource lends itself to project based learning.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Zooniverse - Zooniverse
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7 to 12
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Zooniverse is one of the largest and most popular citizen science projects. Choose from the feature projects found on this page or click See All Projects to be able to ...more
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Zooniverse is one of the largest and most popular citizen science projects. Choose from the feature projects found on this page or click See All Projects to be able to choose from a category. The categories include Arts, Biology, Climate, History, Literature, Medicine, and several others. Click on the category of your choice to go to that project page and read more about the purpose. View interesting information and discoveries that occur when people around the world contribute to a citizen science project. Create a login that can be used for any project shown. Registration requires and email address. Read tips for safely managing email registrations.
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tag(s): citizen science (43), earth (194), moon (87), Project Based Learning (28), Research (87), space (248), sun (87), weather (175)
In the Classroom
Find interesting scientific information and how our understanding increases when data is included from other sources. Find information about our past history, earth and space around us, and information that can affect our future technology and exploration. Find a project-based learning unit to suit your students interests. Have students make a multimedia presentation about one of the "projects" using one of the many TeachersFirst Edge tools.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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GLOBE at Night - The GLOBE Program
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6 to 10
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Globe at Night shares resources that encourage citizen scientists to submit and share observations of the night sky to compile information on the impact of light pollution. To guide...more
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Globe at Night shares resources that encourage citizen scientists to submit and share observations of the night sky to compile information on the impact of light pollution. To guide citizen scientists, information on the site includes guides to assist in locating constellations that summarize the mythology behind each constellation's name. Additional links contain information on light pollution, links to educational standards, and interactive maps with observation details.
tag(s): citizen science (43), earth (194), globe (11), moon (87), space (248), stars (78), STEM (371)
In the Classroom
Include Globe at Night with your lessons about stars and constellations to teach students about the different star formations and the impact of light pollution on our ability to view stars. If you and your students are unsure about what you are seeing in your location, use Neave Planetarium's app to view and learn about objects observable from your location. As an extension activity, ask students to write a new mythological story about one of the constellations observed. Share stories as a comic strip using Free Comic Strip Maker, or as an interactive story created with Elementari.
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