Do you love citizen science? We do! | We at the Science Math Resource Center are fans of citizen science and are building a Citizen Science Network. We will send this occasional e-newsletter to share news and information about citizen science events and opportunities at MSU, in Montana and across the country. If you have an item to share, an idea for building the network, or a question, please contact the MSU Science Math Resource Center. | |
December's Rocky Mountain Community Science Conference | |
We were so excited to attend the Rocky Mountain Community Science Conference on December 5th! The virtual, biennial conference included keynote speakers, posters and "project slams", and discussions. Below are just a few of the highlights you may enjoy. | |
|
We heard from citizens scientists around the Rocky Mountain region who presented on a wide variety of topics like science outreach projects at senior centers, the importance of conserving boreal toads, and to how to use graphic design to to communicate science effectively and creatively.
While some of the projects were specific to other states, be sure to see how you can get involved with The Xerces Society and Partners' Bumble Bee Atlas and the Keynote speaker's project, I See Change, that collects virtual data and observations to monitor climate and weather in real time!
| |
|
We were also excited to see Bozeman Field School teacher Zoe Pritchard and students Marin Hunt, Leo Valdivia, Aislyn Cooper, Drew Cooper, Olivia Dolan present "Fueling High School Curriculum Through Community Science." The Bozeman Field School team collaborated with NSF EPSCoR SMART FIRES to workshop the use of an existing citizen science platform (GLOBE Observer) to gather customized data to assess fire fuels. These students also joined us at the annual National Science Foundation’s EPSCoR all-hands meeting at the University of Montana’s Lubrecht Experimental Forest near Greenough, MT (which you may remember from our last newsletter)!
It was inspiring to see these students thinking critically about experimental design and how to use citizen science tools in the classroom — great job, Zoe, Marin, Leo, Aislyn, Drew, and Olivia!
Learn more about RMCSC at https://wyomingbiodiversity.org/index.php/community-science.
| |
|
Applications for the SciStarter Ambassador Cohort 3 are now open!
Whether you’re passionate about pollinators, starry-eyed about the night sky, or just excited by science, becoming a SciStarter Ambassadors might be for you! SciStarter Ambassadors connect their community to citizen science resources and activities and champion the work of citizen scientists.
You don’t need to have a background in science, or be a professional scientist to be an Ambassador, you just need to have curiosity and an interest in inspiring others to learn more about how they can participate in citizen science.
SciStarter provides all the training and resources you need to be an amazing Ambassador. The first step is to complete the online, self-guided training and then submit a short application. Visit SciStarter.org/Ambassadors to learn more about applying.
The deadline to submit your application for Cohort 3 is January 25, 2025.
| |
|
Go stargazing this winter solstice and check out a citizen science kit from the MSU library!
The MSU Library has partnered with Montana NSF EPSCoR to obtain Celestial (Astronomy) Binoculars as part of its citizen science equipment library. These types of binoculars are great for astronomy beginners and those looking for portable equipment. The dual lenses also offer relief for individuals who wear glasses. The binoculars are available at the Library Service Desk, come with a tripod, are available on a first come first serve basis, and check out for one week. Anyone in Montana may check out items from the MSU Library; you don't have to be an MSU student or staff member.
To learn more, here are two good articles on the topic:
To find citizen science projects related to astronomy, visit SciStarter.org and search “astronomy.”
| |
|
Get outside this winter and collect data for Community Snow Observations, a community-science campaign to measure snow. This project was funded by NASA’s Earth Science Program, as part of the NASA Citizen Science for Earth Systems project.
If you're a backcountry recreationist, or even just interested in getting involved from home, it's easy! You can use a traditional snow probe or make your own with items as simple as a ruler and measuring tape. Learn more how you can get involved in the project on their website.
| |  |
Did you know at observations made by people, help researchers discover how precipitation phase varies in time and space? You can start reporting about precipitation with the Mountain Rain or Snow app during winter storms to help improve the technologies behind precipitation phase prediction! | | |
National Audubon Society's Winter Projects | |
The Christmas Bird Count occurs December 14 to January 5 every season. This project has been running since 1990, with over 20 countries in the Western Hemisphere participating every year! There are expected to be over 30 counts across Montana this year, be sure to check out Audubon's Christmas Bird Count webpage for more information on what's near you and how to participate.
The National Audubon Society will also be organizing Climate Watch from January 15 to February 15, 2025! You can researchers learn how birds are responding to the changing climate by using their specific protocol to observe birds in your area. You can join coordinated efforts in Helena or Billings, or participate on your own.
| |
Be sure to check out these webinars! | |
Last minute Christmas shopper? Stumped for ideas for that inquisitive person your life? Or perhaps you’re hoping for a few citizen science-inspired gifts yourself this year? SciStarter’s Gift Guide suggests useful gifts for birdwatchers, skygazers and weather-trackers, and they all tie in with one or more citizen science projects on SciStarter. Check it out! | | |
SAVE THE DATE: April is Citizen Science Month | |
|
We are in the process of organizing a suite of activities for Citizen Science month. If you have a project you'd like to see on campus, please reach out and let us know! Be sure to keep an eye out for our next newsletter in March for more details.
If you are planning to help others participate in Citizen Science Month, we recommend watching SciStarter's recorded webinar on how to get started. Watch on YouTube.
| |
Want to start a citizen science student club at MSU-Bozeman?
If you know any students at MSU who might be interested in starting a Citizen Science Club, please encourage them to contact the Science Math Resource Center at smrc@montana.edu
We have some ideas, and would love to support them!
| |
This newsletter is brought to you by the MSU Science Math Resource Center with support from the NASA AEROKATS and ROVER Education Network (AREN) and Montana NSF EPSCoR | | | | |
