We are big fans of citizen science! Of course, science is always cool, and STEM/STEAM projects are an increasing part of everyone’s work and school experiences. So understanding how science works is not just cool, not just fun, but a good way to understand what is going on in the world around us all.
So we are sharing some cool science you can do, contributing toward large projects, and learning new things. Maybe you can use this today; maybe you will save it for later. As long as you enjoy some exploration and learning new things – citizen science is for you! And it is definitely something you can use to bring some good programming to your library.
This week we admire the MPCA Citizen Water Monitoring Program. (Just the right project for a state with as many lakes as ours!)
Check out the material from the SciStarter website:
| Goal | Track water clarity on lakes and streams across Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Task | Collect water clarity data on lakes and streams in Minnesota |
| Where | View map… |
| Description | The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s (MPCA) Citizen Lake and Stream Monitoring Programs engage over 1,300 people to monitor water clarity once a week from April-September each year. Data collected by participants are used by the state to assess compliance with water quality standards and to track changes in water clarity over time. Monitoring is quick and easy, and the MPCA provides equipment and instructions free of charge. |
| How to get started | https://www.pca.state.mn.us/cmp/enroll |
| How-To Video | Check out the how-to video |
|---|---|
| Total expense | 0.00 |
| Materials | Secchi disk, Secchi tube |
| Special Skills | Lake monitoring requires a boat. |
| Ideal Age Group | Families, Seniors, College, Adults, Middle school (11 – 13 years), High school (14 – 17 years), Graduate students, |
| Spend the time | Outdoors |
| Ideal Frequency | Per week |
| Average Time | |
| Topics | Ocean, Water, Marine & Terrestrial, Ecology & Environment, Education, |
| Training Materials | https://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/citizen-water-monitoring#volunteer-toolbox-d1600d13 |
| Classroom Materials | https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/wq-csm1-02.pdf |
Whether this program is one you do in your library, or just use it as a starting point for doing some other programs, it could be a lot of fun!
Looking for some ideas to try in your library? Here are a few places to start:
- Make a map of the lakes, ponds, and other water sources near you
- Collect photos of local water sources, either taking pictures or finding them online to share
- Contact the local water agencies to find out about water safety in your community
- Collect test kits, and do some testing of the water found outside the library – either in puddles, collected water basins, or in nearby ponds, rivers, or lakes. What kinds of information could you find?
- Set up a display of books and materials on boats, ships, and other water-floating devices
- Make models of boats – any kind of boats. If you have access to water, maybe a contest to see which can float the longest or travel the farthest.
- Write a story about a boat, and the adventures it has. Is it on water? In space? Solving mysteries? Searching for lost treasure?