TeachersFirst Citizen Science Resources
Citizen science is transforming the way students experience learning — turning classrooms, schoolyards, and neighborhoods into real research environments. By participating in citizen science projects, students contribute meaningful data to real scientific investigations while building critical-thinking, observation, and collaboration skills. This collection of resources is designed to help you discover, explore, and implement citizen science in your classrooms. Whether you are looking for a single engaging activity or a full project-based learning experience, these resources offer something for every grade level, subject area, and interest.
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Acts of Science: Connected - SciStarter
Grades
K to 12tag(s): citizen science (43), collaboration (113), data (211)
In the Classroom
Introduce students to citizen science and have them explore projects highlighted on SciStarter. Students can choose one project that interests them and share why it connects to their interests or community. As a class or in small groups, students can participate in a citizen science project through SciStarter. Students can collect or analyze data and contribute to a real research effort, building ownership and engagement. Students can create a plan to involve others in citizen science, such as designing flyers, announcements, or a presentation using Canva, reviewed here for families or other classes, encouraging broader participation and real-world impact.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Citizen Science Month Participate Page - SciStarter
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): citizen science (43), collaboration (113), data (211), STEM (371)
In the Classroom
Introduce students to the idea of Acts of Science and have them complete a few simple tasks from the site (such as observing nature or collecting data). Have students browse the site to choose a citizen science project that interests them. Then assign them to write a short explanation of why they chose it and how they can contribute. Ask students to share their findings with classmates and discuss patterns or interesting discoveries.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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FieldScope - BSCS Science Learning
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): biodiversity (39), charts and graphs (190), citizen science (43), climate (95), data (211), habitats (104), map skills (69), water (104), weather (175)
In the Classroom
Take students outside to collect real-world data such as weather conditions, plant types, or signs of pollution. Students can upload their observations into FieldScope and see their data appear on a shared map. Have students choose a topic such as water quality, biodiversity, or local habitats and use FieldScope to collect and analyze data. Students can use the platform's tools to create graphs or charts from collected data. They can interpret the data and explain what it shows, integrating math and science skills.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Introducing Citizen Science Podcast - Una Eurpoa
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): birds (47), citizen science (43), data (211), podcasts (163)
In the Classroom
Play a short segment of the podcast and provide students with guiding questions. Students can identify the main idea, key vocabulary, and examples of citizen science mentioned in the episode. After listening, have students create a concept map using Mind Map Generator, reviewed here showing how citizen science works (scientists, citizens, data collection, real-world impact). Have students participate in a class debate or discussion about the benefits and challenges of citizen science.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Citizen Science Podcast - SciStarter
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): biodiversity (39), citizen science (43), climate change (112), environment (253), podcasts (163)
In the Classroom
Play a short segment of an episode and have students jot down key ideas, new vocabulary, and questions. Follow with a class discussion about how everyday people contribute to scientific research. After listening, students can discuss in pairs what surprised them or what problem the scientists are trying to solve. Have students choose a project mentioned in the podcast and research it further. Students can create a short summary explaining the goal of the project and how people can participate.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Citizen Science Toolkit - California Academy of Sciences
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): citizen science (43)
In the Classroom
Use the toolkit's "Learn" section to introduce students to citizen science. Have students read or explore examples, then create a simple anchor chart that defines citizen science and lists ways people contribute to real research. Following the ideas in the "Act" section, take students outside to observe and record data on plants, insects, or weather patterns. Students can document findings in journals or digital tools like NotebookLM, reviewed here, practicing real-world observation and recording skills. Using guidance from the toolkit, students can create their own citizen science-style project.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Pick Your Passion with Citizen Science - National Science Foundation News
Grades
3 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): citizen science (43), environment (253), space (248), STEM (371)
In the Classroom
Students can check out the two websites that are featured in the video. Students can pick a citizen science project and share their findings using Seesaw, reviewed here. Students can use the Timelines Tool by Read Write Think, reviewed here to create a timeline of their research, data/findings, and outcome.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Detecting Earthquakes: AI vs. Citizen Scientists - SciShow
Grades
7 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (303), citizen science (43), data (211), earthquakes (52)
In the Classroom
Students can research the role of AI in science further. Have students create a simple model to simulate how earthquakes are detected. Using materials like a box, string, a hanging weight (such as a washer), and paper, students build a basic "seismograph" that records movement when the surface is shaken. Students can use Parlay, reviewed here to debate whether AI is useful or not in science.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Making Science a Part of Everyone's Story - Science Communication Lab
Grades
6 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): citizen science (43), climate change (112), dna (52), plants (141)
In the Classroom
As students are working on their project, they can use Google Drawings, reviewed here to create graphic organizers modeling the scientific method. Students can create their own short films showcasing their projects using FlexClip, reviewed here. Students can use Book Creator, reviewed here to showcase all student work.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Connecting Citizen Science & Project Learning Tree - Project Learning Tree
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): butterflies (14), citizen science (43), data (211)
In the Classroom
Students can use Google Keep, reviewed here to collaborate their findings. Students can showcase their work using ScreenPal, reviewed here. Students can engage in virtual field trips to the area using Google My Map, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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You're the Scientist! Citizen Science, Frogs & Cicadas - Nature Lab Educator Resources
Grades
3 to 8tag(s): citizen science (43), climate change (112), virtual field trips (139)
In the Classroom
Students can also use Google My Maps, reviewed here to virtually visit Washington, D.C. Students can use Visme AI Presentation Creator, reviewed here to showcase their work. Students can use Turbo Timeline Generator, reviewed here to share their step-by-step process in completing their Citizen Science project.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Ambassador Think Like a Citizen Scientist Journey Activity - Girl Scouts
Grades
11 to 12tag(s): citizen science (43), data (211)
In the Classroom
Students can use Free Online Screen Recorder, reviewed here to record the process that they took in completing their project. Students can use Canva for Education, reviewed here for templates on the scientific process. Students can create a virtual bulletin board using Lino, reviewed here to showcase their work.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Service Learning Action Guides & Lesson Plans - EarthEcho International
Grades
5 to 12tag(s): citizen science (43), pollution (55), water (104), watersheds (9)
In the Classroom
Share the illustrated books with students as a class read-aloud, or share the link with students to read independently. Each book includes discussion questions; add these to a Google Form, reviewed here to assess understanding or create a Google Slides, reviewed hereAdd your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Citizen Science Projects - National Geographic Education
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): animals (274), birds (47), butterflies (14), citizen science (43), ecosystems (105), life cycles (22), oceans (142), photography (136), planets (123), plants (141), stars (78), STEM (371), weather (175)
In the Classroom
Add this page to your bookmarks for citizen science opportunities for you and your students to participate in. Find additional ideas by visiting TeachersFirst's Citizen Science Resources Special Topics Page, reviewed here. Include citizen science projects to extend learning by building them into your current science lessons. Create free scientific observation journals at Canva Storyboard Templates, reviewed here for students to record, organize, and share information. Ask older students to share data by creating graphs on Livegap Charts, reviewed here or use Google's Data Gif Maker, reviewed here when working with younger students.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Butterfly Counts - North American Butterfly Association
Grades
1 to 12tag(s): butterflies (14), citizen science (43), data (211), maps (224)
In the Classroom
Based on research from the site, have students design a school garden to attract butterflies, documenting their project using a website tool like Carrd, reviewed here. Employ an animation tool like Brush Ninja, reviewed here to have students create an animation showing the lifecycle of a butterfly they learned about. Have students use a digital presentation tool like Google Slides, reviewed here to create a virtual exhibit on different butterfly species, incorporating findings from the butterfly counts.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Celebrate Urban Birds - Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Grades
1 to 12tag(s): birds (47), cities (17), citizen science (43)
In the Classroom
Have students use the website to identify local birds and then observe them in their schoolyard or backyards. Have students record their sightings and behaviors using Google Forms, reviewed here. then your class can review and create an infographic of the data using Infogram, reviewed here Using guidance from the site, have your class design and plant a garden that attracts local birds, documenting the process and bird visits on a blog. After studying birds on the website, students create artworks inspired by what they've learned and display them digitally on a platform like Artsonia, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Planet Bee Foundation - Planet Bee Foundation Programs
Grades
1 to 12tag(s): citizen science (43), insects (63)
In the Classroom
To engage your students, consider using a platform like Padlet, reviewed here to create interactive discussions where students can share their observations and findings from citizen science projects like ZomBee Watch or the Native Bee Community Science Project. This is a link to Padlet's Help section for posting video or an image. You can then integrate virtual learning experiences and take students on virtual pollinator safaris, allowing them to explore different ecosystems and observe pollinators in their natural habitats. Many Zoos and other organizations have virtual tours you can use. To extend learning beyond the classroom, collaborate with local environmental organizations and/or collect data on your own and identify pollinators in your area.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Crowdsourcing Science Using Citizen Science in the Classroom - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12tag(s): citizen science (43), data (211), inquiry (34), STEM (371)
In the Classroom
Increase student engagement by encouraging students to find and select citizen science projects that help their community and appeal to their interests by voting on a project to participate in. Create a simple survey using Poll Maker, reviewed here for students to vote on a project to become part of. Extend learning by asking students to document learning using science journals. Find many different templates for journals at Slidesmania, reviewed here to download and use with PowerPoint and Google Slides.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Citizen Science for Educators - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): citizen science (43), environment (253), fish (16), magnetism (37), oceans (142), STEM (371), weather (175), whales (12)
In the Classroom
Use this site and others to find potential citizen science projects for your students. Ask students to select projects by area of interest and work together as groups to gather and share information. Have students share data and updates using Padlet, reviewed here, or Wakelet, reviewed here. For example, create a Padlet with a column for each project, then ask students to add their data and observations in the appropriate column. When using Wakelet, create a collection for each observation group for students to add data and share information in their chosen project. To enhance learning, as a final project, ask students to share their completed project with the class by creating a website using a free website creation tool like Site123, reviewed here, or with a video made with Animoto, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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25 Subject-Integrated Citizen Science Project Ideas for Students of All Ages - Eperiential Learning Depot
Grades
K to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): birds (47), butterflies (14), citizen science (43), climate (95), habitats (104), insects (63), migration (45), plants (141), STEM (371), water (104)
In the Classroom
Browse through this list of citizen science projects to find classroom science projects, then work together to choose the project that interests your students. Consider using FigJam, reviewed here, as a starting point to engage students and share information about potential projects. For example, create a Jamboard slide for each possible project, add important information, then ask students to add sticky notes with their ideas. After choosing a project, work together to make science journals that detail your work. Gather and share data using an easy chart-creation tool like Livegap Charts, reviewed here, as you analyze information. Use the tools found at Canva for Education, reviewed here, to share your results with timelines, infographics, and posters.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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