Anyone can participate in science!
Participatory science is a collaboration between scientists and public volunteers to gather new knowledge about the world. Participatory science includes community science, citizen science, community-based monitoring and other types of research that depend on knowledge, insights or observations from the public.
Participatory science can transform communities, advance research and help people across the globe. For example, over the last 10 years, 31,000 volunteers have classified 350,000 images of space! You don't have to be an expert to get involved in a project. With a wide variety of topics to choose from, there’s something for all ages. You can also join in as frequently as you're able.
Explore the Latest Participatory Science Opportunity — GLOBE Observer’s Tree Project
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time to plant a tree is today!
Trees keep our environment cool, “breathe out” oxygen and store carbon. One way that scientists study an ecosystem’s ability to support healthy trees is by calculating the height of trees. You can help scientists by recording tree height with GLOBE Observer’s Trees project.
After downloading GLOBE Observer’s app, find a tree over 15 feet tall to measure. Follow the prompts on the app to measure the angle from the bottom to the top of the tree. Then walk toward the tree and count your steps. These observations will estimate the height of the tree. You can also try this out using just this piece of paper, string and a straw!
Your observations help NASA scientists understand the movement of biomass in the environment, which affects the calculations of the carbon that trees and forests take in or release into the atmosphere!
Ongoing Participatory Science Opportunities
There’s no shortage of discoveries left to be made. Visit scistarter.org, zooniverse.org and citizenscience.gov to check out dozens of other participatory science opportunities. There’s something for everyone!
Participatory Science at the Science Museum
The Science Museum’s 2017 project Throwing Shade mobilized volunteers and partners from around Richmond to evaluate urban heat vulnerability. Data collected helped show that temperatures in the city during a heat wave can vary as much as 16 °F from the coolest to the warmest places.
From 2019 through 2023, volunteers helped the Science Museum collect data about hyperlocal air quality as part of RVAir. Funded in part by the Institute of the Museum and Library Services, RVAir worked with community collaborators to help measure particulate matter in Richmond neighborhoods.
Using portable AirBeam devices, community members collected air quality data on over 600 walks throughout the Richmond area. Additionally, over 35 permanent Purple Air sensors were installed across the city and are continuing to collect air quality in real time.