Hands (and Eyes & Ears) On Science…

I thought today I might share a couple of ideas to extend a nature study or science program. These are especially good for anyone who wants to get the kids outdoors. If you are wanting for some extra socialization, this might be a good opportunity to get kids together periodically to do work or even just compare data.

All of the programs listed here also contribute in some way to “official” scientific knowledge, in that the data collected by amateurs is compiled and helps scientists to study things like animal migration or global warming. I like the service aspect of the projects, as well as the fact that it’s not just busy work. The kids are contributing something important, just as an adult would. They’re part of a larger team, and the project may lead them to discover a new hobby such as birdwatching or amateur botany!

The first is a Canadian project aimed at school aged children. It’s called Tomatosphere. In this project children learn about space travel and about the needs people will have if we begin to send people to other planets, like Mars. Learning objectives are different according to age group, but essentially the students plant specially treated tomato seeds from two groups & compare the germination rates in both. The seeds are for plum tomatoes that can easily be grown in outdoor plots or in containers. The tomatoes are safe for eating afterwards. Very low time investment, as the main importance is to see how many seeds germinate. You can read more about Tomatosphere in this post.

Availability: Canadian project, but international groups can participate
Homeschoolers welcome: Yes
Grades: 3-10
Language: Materials are available in both English and French
Materials: Seeds are sent to participating teachers & home educators; printable materials are available online
Cost: None, except for peat pots & a tray - if planting in containers these & soil will also be needed
Web site: http://www.tomatosphere.org/

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I remember my father keeping track of dandelions in our yard each year - so he could either spray the lawn or dig out the plants, that is! We think of them as pests, but we can make good use of these plants for both culinary and medicinal purposes, and also as indicators of the changes in our environment. DandelionWatch teaches dandelion anatomy and about “dandelion imposters” such as the herb coltsfoot. Kids can find a relatively wild place to observe - at least 10m from any building - and then watch to see when the dandelions bloom.

Availability: Canada only
Homeschoolers welcome: Yes
Grades: ages 5+
Language: Materials are available in both English and French
Materials: Tracking sheets are available online, or data can be submitted electronically
Cost: None
Web site: http://www.naturewatch.ca/english/plantwatch/dandelion/index.html

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Project FeederWatch involves putting up a bird feeder and counting the birds that visit. Data submitted by participants helps scientists in the US and Canada to get a better picture of bird populations in North America. This is a long project that begins in November & ends in April, but requires only a few hours at a time - plus regular filling of the feeder! Anyone of any age can participate. Lots of helpful data on this site for nature studies (e.g. Burgess Bird Book readers) and information about feeders, bird identification, etc.

Availability: Joint Canadian-US project
Homeschoolers welcome: Yes! See this page for special resources for home educators and classroom teachers
Grades: All ages
Language: Materials are available in both English and French
Materials: Participants receive a package that includes instructions, necessary forms to report data, and a bird identification wall poster
Cost: $15 in the US (reduced for Cornell Lab of Ornithology members); $35 in Canada (includes Bird Studies membership & quarterly magazine); participants will also need to construct or buy a feeder & keep it stocked at their own expense
Web site: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/index.html

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My last project for today is actually four separate projects run by the same organization. NatureWatch offers: FrogWatch, IceWatch, PlantWatch & WormWatch, with ButterflyWatch soon to be added! Each of the programs aims at amateurs gathering data that scientists can use to learn more about climate change, soil conditions and biodiversity. The web site teaches participants what to look for and explains why frogs, ice, wildflowers, etc. are observed. Some materials for classroom or homeschool use are available on the web site. Depending on the project chosen, the observations will be made at different times of the year and for a varying period of time.

Availability: Canada only
Homeschoolers welcome: Yes
Grades: All ages
Language: Materials are available in both English and French
Materials: Web site features instructional materials (e.g. frog photos & recorded calls) and some fun quizzes, plus all necessary recording forms
Cost: none
Web site: http://www.naturewatch.ca