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 fun, but a good way to understand what is going on in the world around us all.

So we are sharing some neat 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 is an easy project you can do right here! Many of the state parks in Minnesota have programs already in place to help fight the spread of garlic mustard plants – see what is happening in your area.

Check out the website for this project here!

“Many invasive species, like Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), are threatening the world’s natural resources, but the abundance of invasive species can vary dramatically over space and time. Scientists still do not have a good understanding of why this is so.

Through large-scale sampling, scientists can identify areas that differ in the intensity of invasion and try to understand why these differences exist. We can also compare this to variation in the native range. This may be crucial to researching new methods of control, but a large project like this could cost millions of dollars and years of work.

Through the use of a simple, standardized protocol, volunteers can help to generate valuable scientific data. Participating in this research does not require specialized training.

Researchers who participate in the survey will have early access to the database and the opportunity to participate in the more technical aspects of the study, such as analysis and co-writing for scientific journals.

Educators can offer their students an invaluable opportunity for hands-on participation in peer-reviewed scientific research, and compare class results to the larger dataset involving hundreds of populations.

Private citizens will find a rare opportunity to contribute to cuttting-edge biological research and learn more about how scientists come to understand the natural world.”

“First year plants form lumps of small leaves (rosettes) and usually do not flower, these are the seeds that germinated last year. In the early spring they are small – just a few cm in diameter (left) with a slightly jagged lilly-pad shape. Later in the summer these get bigger, the edges are more jagged but still have a sort of lilly-pad shape (right).

Identification of adult plants is easiest if you can find at least one plant that still has flowers.
Flowers are small (6mm or 1/4 inch in diameter), each with four white petals (left). Leaves on the main stem change from lilly-pad shape near the base of the stem to more spear-like with jagged edges (right) near the flowers.

Keep an eye out for evidence of herbivory and and fungus damage. Herbivore damage may be small holes in the leaves, and fungus damage shows up as a white powdery mildew, as shown below.

Find more information on their project website!

What can you do to bring this STEM project into your library’s programs? We have a few ideas to help you get started!

• Set up display of books on plants, flowers, and vegetables.
• Give students/patrons some small containers and seeds, and let them start a container garden.
• Have students write up descriptions of the plants found in your library, or plants outside. Post names and instructions for the best care and feeding of plants.
• Look up information about the garlic mustard plant, and other invasive plants. How do they arrive in new areas? What is the problem with having them here?
• Go outside and see if you can find any of these plants. Make grid patters in your school yard to help investigate different areas.
• This study asks for location of the plants. Use a GPS to practice finding locations. What are the latitude and longitude of your library?
• Look up the history of navigation using latitude and longitude. How else can you describe your location? What tools have people used to find their way, and to describe where to find their homes?