Participating in digital volunteer initiatives for scientific research
Get stuck into the world of citizen science, where everyone becomes a scientist! Whether you're Ninja Turtle-ing Wild Sourdough dough or helping scientists combat Alzheimer's through Stall Catchers, there's a project out there for you.
Citizen science graffiti wall
Wanna see your face on this wall? Join our collection of citizen scientists!
The Science Learning Hub, your local scientific hub for online citizen science (OCS) projects, has curated a selection of badass projects just for you.
Types of projects
- Get your hands messy: Shake things up with projects like Wild Sourdough, where you can use microbes to bake your very own bread!
- Web wizards: We've got digital options too, like Stall Catchers. All you need is your computer and some determination!
- And much, much more! There are a ton of OCS projects to suit your needs.
Citizen science - students' perspectives
See more Why citizen science? Watch these ākonga discuss their love for being part of real-world research.
Reach
Take your civic duty to the next level! Our OCS section showcases a variety of projects ranging from New Zealand-only initiatives such as the New Zealand Garden Bird Survey to global ones, like Litterati. By participating in Backyard Battle or Spyfish Aotearoa, you can contribute to research and policy decisions here in Aotearoa. Your contribution to Kea Database will even help the Department of Conservation protect our precious taonga marine species.
When to participate
Timing can be everything! Some projects only run for a limited time or during specific seasons. Planning ahead and checking out the project deadlines will ensure you don't miss out on the action. Projects tagged under the 'Night sky' topic, for example, would be best to tackle at night. Fret not, though! Some projects can be done at any time.
Using the citizen science filters
On the Citizen science landing page, we've made it easy to sort projects by topic and science capabilities. You can also combine filters, likestudying 'Animals' and 'Habitats' simultaneously.
The science capabilities in action
Looking to hone your science skills? Check out these activities and webinars designed to help you get the most out of your citizen science experience!
Format of the OCS projects
Project profiles on the OCS section follow an easy-to-follow format, providing you with project introductions, key focus areas, possible learning outcomes, and various resources.
The Citizen science section on the Science Learning Hub
Citizen science: a beginner's guide – come get started with us!
Using citizen science with your students
Check out these fantastic examples of teachers integrating OCS projects into their science units!
Recorded webinar support
Stuck? Helpline is open! Check out our two-part webinar series to help you make the most of integrating an OSC project within your science teaching and learning programme:
- Getting started with citizen science
- Online citizen science
Finding other content
In addition to the OCS projects, you'll find loads of other supporting content on citizen science – articles, activities, webinars, and more. Just browse the content under the citizen science topic, and you'll be a citizen scientist pro in no time!
Join the Science Learning Hub, your educational and self-development hub, for an immersive learning experience in the world of citizen science. Explore various OCS projects and excel in science through hands-on learning, such as baking your homemade bread with Wild Sourdough, or contributing to digital research like Stall Catchers, all from the comfort of your home.
