Four Seasons of Citizen Science

Four Seasons of Citizen Science (All Ages) Investigate the four seasons as a Citizen Scientist with Casey the Green Box! Collect data and observe local phenomena about snow crystals, trees, clouds and bugs that will be could be used by scientists to make discoveries. This kit includes activities that can be done with a mobile device, or without, to explore our natural world and practice the skills of data collection and identification. STEM Kits are uniquely designed to support formal and informal use. They can be implemented as quick lessons between units, in afterschool programming, clubs, libraries, and science nights! Each kit includes step-by-step lesson plans, all necessary materials for 150 participants and can be completed in a day, or easily be expanded into longer lessons. They are accessible for all ages, offer three interactive stations, career connections, and engage participants in STEM topics. Spring: Condensation Classification Participants will learn how to identify clouds using shape, color, and coverage. Using the NASA Globe mobile application, participants will submit data about clouds and the current weather in their area to help NASA scientists better understand weather and climate. Cloud observations taken over time can help improve our understanding of satellite cloud data. Summer: Critter Craze Participants will learn more about bugs in their neighborhood by learning how to identify bug species based on observable characteristics. The Picture Insect mobile application will help guide participants in their task of bug identification. Species will be collected using the Quadrat Data Collection Strategy used by field ecologists. Participants ultimately will learn why bugs are important indicators of their environment's health. Fall: Tree Identification Participants will learn how to identify trees in Nevada using characteristics of leaves. They will explore a dichotomous key and use one to complete a tree sample identification. Then, using the NASA Globe mobile app, participants will take tree height measurements that will help NASA scientists better understand where healthy trees grow. Tracking trees over time can help scientists estimate the carbon exchange between trees and the atmosphere, as well as overall health of our tree communities. Winter: Structure of Snow Participants will explore the different shapes of snowflake crystals. Using a magnifying lens and a mobile device, participants will take pictures of snow to learn how to identify various snow crystal structures. They will submit their snow crystal photos and climate observations through the Stories in the Snow section of the Citizen Science Tahoe mobile app to help DRI scientists better understand climate in our region.