Are you curious or concerned about the world around you? Do you love exploring nature? Would you like to help scientists in their research? Then you may be interested in Citizen Science! Join other volunteers participating in projects to assist professional scientists by contributing your own observations from your computer or phone.

Edwardsville Public Library has a new collection of equipment kits for your use in various Citizen Science projects. The available projects are listed below, along with the kit you would need to check out. Click the links next to each to check the availability of the kits.

Dark-Sky Citizen Science Projects

We have partnered with the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) to bring you six Citizen Science projects to get you involved in the community effort. The IDA Missouri Citizen Science Program is a collection of citizen science projects allowing patrons of public libraries to contribute data that will help scientists better understand the impact of artificial light on our night sky and life on Earth.

In addition to library-provided equipment, you will need the following to complete the projects:

• A camera or mobile device with a camera
• Internet access for recording data
• The following free apps and websites:
  SciStarter, Anecdata (android | apple), iNaturalist (android | apple), and the Great Sunflower Project

Read more about the Dark-Sky projects by clicking the button to View Project Guide for each project (these guides are also included in the Library Equipment Kits that can be checked out).