Overview

Community science, also called citizen science, is a global effort in which scientists and the public work together to help gather data on the earth’s biodiversity. In this activity, your students will practice using scientific collection tools and conduct a Bug Safari observation. They will gently collect arthropods, take photos, and record their findings in iNaturalist, a citizen and community science project and online social network for nature research.

Community science, also called citizen science, is a global effort in which scientists and the public work together to help gather data on the earth’s biodiversity. In Bird Search, youth will search for birds, identify them, and contribute observations to eBird, the world’s largest nature-based citizen science project.

By sharing their observations with the global community, eBirders help scientists around the world track the movement and needs of birds on a global scale and contribute to important conservation efforts. Scientists use many tools and strategies to identify and study birds. In this activity, youth learn and practice different bird identification techniques.