Citizen Scientists

>by Loree Griffin Burns

Many kids (and adults) would love to study nature and help scientists discover new things, but don’t know how to do it. This book gives four examples of “citizen science” that anyone can participate in. In the fall, you can tag monarch butterflies so scientists can track migration patterns. In the winter, you can join your local Christmas Bird Count (Manhattan does host one!) and help scientists detect shifts in wintering grounds. In the spring, you can listen for frogs’ mating calls so scientists can determine population sizes. In the summer, you can catch ladybugs to help scientists learn about how native and invasive species interact.

Each section of the book outlines the project, follows a child who participates, and gives a list of supplies. A section in the back of the book offers resources and contact information so you can join the research team.

reviewed by Jessica

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