We hear about yet another animal whose population is in danger in the news every day. The recent reports about the significant decline in our bird population came out just as I was finishing BUGS IN DANGER, an upcoming nonfiction book by Mark Kurlansky (releases 11/12/19). Yes, bugs, an importance food source for birds, are in trouble too. We’re probably all aware that our monarchs and bees are disappearing, but it doesn’t stop there. Lady bugs, fireflies, and moths are all declining.

BUGS IN DANGER is full of information about the insect world from the general classifications and importance of bugs to fascinating details, facts, and history about bees, beetles, and butterflies. For each of these types of bugs, the book details their value in our world and updates us on the specifics of their struggles to survive. The author analyzes the variety of theories and research being done to explain bee colony collapses and vanishing butterflies, and one can’t help but remember the connections we all share as animals. In addition to being extremely informative, BUGS IN DANGER is a book of hope. It outlines the role we each play in the demise of bugs and gives us the opportunity to make simple changes by realigning our priorities to stop the declining bug population.

Reading BUGS IN DANGER lit a fire in me, and I’ve been taking actions each day to help the bugs, birds, and critters that live around me. But I’ve been itching to extend that reach even further. A few days after I finished reading BUGS IN DANGER, I listened to the 9/24/19 **Ologies podcast about Phenology, which is the study of seasons. The scientist on the show, Libby Ellwood, mentioned how important citizen scientists are in helping us document our changing world.

I had heard of citizen scientists, which the Oxford English Dictionary recently defined as: “scientific work undertaken by members of the general public, often in collaboration with or under the direction of professional scientists and scientific institutions.” But Alie’s podcast made me want to know more.

Did you know there are citizen science groups worldwide? It is easy to find local citizen science projects by searching the database at scistarter.org. Typing in the name of my city yielded 657 active projects. How will I decide??? I’m now adding citizen science activities to my itinerary while traveling too. Another great resource for citizen science projects is your public library or local science museum. You can also contact your state’s department of natural resources for information about projects in your state.

Books!

To inspire your junior citizen scientist, I’ll share some of my favorite recent science reads for ages 10+.

BACKYARD BEARS: CONSERVATION, HABITAT CHANGES, AND THE RISE OF URBAN WILDLIFE by Amy Cherrix

Amy brings us face-to-face with black bears and a five-year scientific study led by researchers who, along with citizen scientists, are hoping to answer questions about the recent comeback of native black bears in Asheville, NC. Amazing photography accompanies this fascinating story of scientists at work. Also included is information about conservation efforts with leopards, coyotes, feral chickens, urban turkeys, starlings, wild boars, and capybaras that are occupying urban spaces. 

BIRDOLOGY: 30 ACTIVITIES AND OBSERVATIONS FOR EXPLORING THE WORLD OF BIRDS by Monica Russo

Did you know that peregrine falcons can reach speeds of up to 200 miles per hour? Birdology is filled with facts and activities that promote observation and analysis of birds including their habits, habitats, migration and more. What really stands out about this book is the multi-sensory activities that appeal to every type of learner and bring you closer to nature. Tweet, tweet!

THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer

This story of a teen who was forced to drop out of school when a terrible famine strikes Malawi is nothing short of amazing. Young William explored the science books in his village library and came up with an idea to build a windmill out of junkyard scraps to help irrigate his village. This story of survival against the odds has been made into a movie. Check out the trailer below.

THE GIRL WHO DREW BUTTERFLIES: HOW MARIA MERIAN’S ART CHANGED SCIENCE by Joyce Sidman

Thirteen-year-old Maria Merian was studying and drawing bugs well before Charles Darwin proposed his theory of evolution. Maria was inspired by her step-father’s work as an artist and quickly developed her own drawing talent– a talent that she used to draw caterpillars, moths, and butterflies. Maria’s observations, drawings, and pioneering published works about caterpillars are why she is considered the world’s first ecologist. This book is informative and lovely to the eye.

MIGRATION: INCREDIBLE ANIMAL JOURNEYS by Mike Unwin

Millions of animals migrate every year because their environment changes. This gorgeously illustrated book describes the journeys of humpback whales, Artic terns, whooping cranes, elephants, salmon, and many more of Earth’s creatures. Some animal migrations are still a mystery, and migration patterns continue to change from year to year. Documenting animal migration is a great citizen scientist project, and this book is sure to get animal observers on the right track to understanding these animal behaviors.

STAR FINDER: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO THE NIGHT SKY by Smithsonian

In our house, my husband is the faithful amateur astronomer who keeps us up-to-date on celestial events in our night skies. Finding planets and star patterns is second nature to him, but I’ve always struggled with it. I’ve found this book to be among the best to help me see and name constellations. Using the four paths across the sky demonstrated in the book, you’ll soon be able to see the celestial patterns in the northern hemisphere too. And yes, there are citizen scientist projects associated with observing stars. So get up to speed and join the star party!

More, more, more!

Still want more books to quench your young scientist’s thirst? Well, gather around because I’m putting my librarian hat on right now to share a motherlode of science literature with you. The American Library Association has a website called The Nature Book List. Its database is searchable by environmental topic, grade level, or keyword and has paired listings, a fiction book and a complementary non-fiction text. It also includes educator resources and information to help you engage with your child about the books.

There’s an app for that!

Ebird, iNaturalist, CitSci, Nature’s Notebook…There are numerous apps associated with citizen science projects. Find citizen science apps all for projects over the world here.

What are your favorite books and apps that would appeal to citizen scientists? Share them in the comments!

**Note: I’m completely obsessed with the Ologies “comedic science” podcast, but please note this podcast is not suitable for children. It’s hilarious, informative, and very hip, but the language is ***explicit***.