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. The process builds environmental awareness, fosters stewardship, and encourages collaborative discovery.

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

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

Participants learn to use iNaturalist Projects, navigate project boundaries, and identify species while exploring an outdoor area. Teams compete to document the greatest number of unique observations within a set time frame.

Learn to create and manage an iNaturalist Project

Practice boundary mapping and digital navigation

Strengthen observation and species identification skills

Understand the importance of community science data

Build teamwork through friendly competition

Designed for ages thirteen and up, or younger with support from a grown‑up. This lends itself well to intergenerational programming. 

Introduce the iNaturalist Project, review the boundary map, and explain how the competition works.

Participants explore the defined area, photographing and recording as many unique species as possible within the time limit.

Upload observations, compare results, celebrate the winning group, and discuss ecological patterns and surprising findings.