Citizen science, also called community science, is scientific research carried out with the help of everyday people who collect, analyze, or interpret data in partnership with professional scientists and institutions. Volunteers observe, record, and describe the world around them and contribute directly to real research.

Citizen science expands research capacity by involving the public across wide areas and long periods of time. Participants develop scientific literacy, observation skills, and digital confidence through hands-on work. The process builds environmental awareness and a stronger sense of stewardship while also supporting community well-being through shared purpose and discovery.

Citizen science depends on public participation in activities such as counting birds, monitoring air quality, or documenting biodiversity. Scientists provide methods, tools, and research questions while volunteers collect or process data and sometimes help interpret results. Projects vary in involvement from simple data gathering to collaborative efforts where participants help design and analyze research.

Analyzing reseach sounds complicated, but it doesn't have to be. Projects may focus on documenting wildlife sightings, recording weather patterns, or tracking seasonal changes.  

The Citizen Science Tech Lab is a hands on and technology forward program that combines exploration, digital mapping, and friendly competition.

Libraries create a custom iNaturalist Project, outline the project boundaries, and then participants sign up for an iNaturalist account and compete to document as many unique species as possible. Patron observations then contribute real data to the community.

Designed for anyone thirteen and up, or younger with the help of a grown up. This adapts well to intergenerational programming! 

The session includes ten minutes of introduction and project setup, forty five minutes of species documentation, and ten to twenty minutes of uploading and discussion.

Smartphones or tablets with iNaturalist installed, those can be library tablets or the patrons own devices, and access to a computer for project setup. Optional materials include clipboards, field notebooks, or magnifying lenses. Select a safe outdoor area either on library grounds or in a nearby park.

Begin by introducing the concept of iNaturalist Projects and show participants the project boundary that defines the competition zone.

During the competition, teams explore the site and attempt to document as many unique species as possible within the time limit. Afterward, they upload their observations, compare results, and celebrate the winning group. The program ends with a reflection about patterns, surprising discoveries, and the value of contributing data to community science.

Participants learn to create and manage an iNaturalist Project, practice boundary mapping and digital navigation, strengthen observational and species identification skills, understand the importance of community science data, and build teamwork through friendly competition.

Accessibility supports may include providing a pre created project for youth who need simplified steps, choosing accessible walking routes, and pairing tech confident teens with peers who benefit from additional assistance.

Possible extensions include developing a long term biodiversity monitoring project, hosting a seasonal rematch to compare species changes over time, or inviting a local biologist to help interpret the collected data.