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CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECTS

Citizen Science for Educators 

Definition

Project Goals/Methods

CSE in Action

Citizen Science at CLO


Goals and Methods For Each Citizen Science Project

PROJECT GOALS METHODS
Project FeederWatch
  • Measure changes in winter bird abundance and distribution
  • Understand movements of nomadic and irruptive species
  • Measure effects of food, weather and habitat features on feeder visits by birds
  1. Watch bird feeders for two consecutive days (November through April)
  2. Count the numbers of each species that visit feeders
  3. Report data to the Lab (online)
Classroom FeederWatch Teach Students to:
  • Identify feeder birds
  • Ask scientific questions and design experiments
  • Collect and analyze data
  • Write up and share their research results
  1. Set up feeder area
  2. Count birds at schoolyard feeders
  3. Submit data over the internet
  4. Conduct a student research project
  5. Publish research/artwork in Classroom Birdscope
Project PigeonWatch
  • Determine why there are so many colors of pigeons
  • Determine whether pigeons choose mates by color
  1. Find a pigeon flock
  2. Count the number of pigeons of each color
  3. Record colors of courting birds
  4. Report data to the Lab
The Birdhouse Network
  • Study breeding biology of cavity-nesting birds throughout North America
  • Determine patterns of geographic variation in clutch size
  • Determine which environmental factors affect nesting success of cavity-nesting birds
  1. Place birdhouses in suitable habitat
  2. Record birdhouse and habitat characteristics
  3. Determine nesting species and count numbers of eggs and nestlings
  4. Report data to the Lab (online)
e-Bird
  • Gather data on bird abundance and distribution throughout the year and across the continent (database available to scientists and participants)
  • Provide users with easy method of recording and tracking their bird observations (customized checklists)
  • Educate users: bird id, distribution, abundance, habitat use, conservation issues
  1. Record observations of birds (who, what where, when, how many, effort)
  2. Enter bird data via customized online checklists
  3. Retrieve (and analyze) data (optional)

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