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’s project is one suitable for all ages – searching out ladybugs! “Across North America ladybug species composition is changing. Over the past twenty years native ladybugs that were once very common have become extremely rare. During this same time ladybugs from other parts of the world have greatly increased both their numbers and range. This is happening very quickly and we don’t know how, or why, or what impact it will have on ladybug diversity or the role that ladybugs play in keeping plant-feeding insect populations low. We’re asking you to join us in finding out where all the ladybugs have gone so we can try to prevent more native species from becoming so rare.”
“To be able to help the nine spotted ladybug and other ladybug species scientists need to have detailed information on which species are still out there and how many individuals are around. Entomologists at Cornell can identify the different species but there are too few of us to sample in enough places to find the really rare ones. We need you to be our legs, hands and eyes. If you can look for ladybugs and send us pictures of them with our Upload Photos Submission Form we can start to gather the information we need. We are very interested in the rare species but any pictures will help us. This is the ultimate summer science project for kids and adults! You can learn, have fun and help save these important species.
You can help! – Find ‘em, photograph ‘em, and send ‘em
Here is how the program will work:
1. Go out and collect some ladybugs (see How to Find, Collect, and Photograph Ladybugs and check out our handy Field Guide)
2. When you find a ladybug – photograph it! (also in “How to Find, Collect, and Photograph Ladybugs“).
3. Upload your digital images using our submission form along with the time, date, location, and habitat (e.g. garden, wild field, corn field etc.)
Quick Tips
The more the photos the better! – even if they are all the same kind of ladybug.
Zeros are useful data! Tell us even if you searched and didn’t find any ladybugs.
Data are most useful if you can tell us – where and how you collected, how many people collected for how long, the time, date, weather, and habitat.“
How else can you bring this project into your library? We have a few ideas to help you get started:
- Set up a display of books and materials on ladybugs and bugs/insects in general
- Break out the colored pencils and other drawing tools to draw pictures of insects
- Use pipe cleaners, construction paper, and all sorts of other materials to build models of insects – something real or something imaginary
- Look up facts about ladybugs. Find facts about insects that could be found in your areas. Set up a trivia game about insect facts
- Write a story about finding a ladybug. Will it grant wishes? Will it lead you on an adventure?
- Carefully examine your house, your library, and other buildings you are visiting. How many bugs can you find? What types of bugs are they?
- Take pictures of ladybugs to share on your school or library social media account.
- Create a map of lady bugs found in your school area.