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 week we are looking ahead to a February project!
Great Backyard Bird Count
“Each year people from around the world come together to watch, learn about, count, and celebrate birds.
Each February, for four days, the world comes together for the love of birds. Over these four days we invite people to spend time in their favorite places watching and counting as many birds as they can find and reporting them to us. These observations help scientists better understand global bird populations before one of their annual migrations.
Each year our participation grows as more people of all ages around the world spend their weekend counting, learning about, and celebrating birds. See results from past years highlighting the data and trends from the Great Backyard Bird Counts.
Joint Partnership
The Great Backyard Bird Count is an inter-organizational effort between the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society, and Birds Canada. We work together to bring the joys of bird watching to our members.
Join Us
Brown Pelicans and gulls by Tony Peebles/GBBC.
Whether you count one bird or hundreds, participating is easy and fun for all ages! Let birds bring you closer to nature and to each other by spending four days in February with us!”
While you are dreaming about February and getting ready for the great bird count, how can you bring this program to your library? We have a few ideas to help you get started:
- Set up a display about birds – books and any other materials that would be bird related
- Get out colored pencils, crayons, markers, and other drawing tools to draw different kinds of birds
- Write a story about a bird that has visited your yard or visited the school
- Use a phone or other camera and take pictures of birds in your area
- Look up facts about the birds you see. Look up facts about birds living in other areas. Host a trivia game about birds.
- Set up a library scavenger game, hunting for bird pictures, facts, books, models, or other bird-related materials.