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Community Science Overview

Community science (also known as “citizen science”) is an exciting way to join the ranks of scientists and researchers to explore the world around us without a specialized background. By participating in community science, you can help to collect data, analyze information, and contribute to important research projects. If you're interested in getting involved, the first step is to find a project that excites you. Some projects will require materials, but many you can do anywhere with just a computer or smartphone. If you're not interested in contributing to a specific project, don't worry! There are plenty of apps that allow individuals to participate in community science by simply observing and recording their surroundings.

We’ve listed a few apps and sites below that can help you figure out how you’d like to get involved:

Contributing to public datasets

iNaturalist

iNaturalist is a nature app created by the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic that helps identify plants and animals and connects members with a community of over a million scientists and naturalists. With the iNaturalist app, you can record and share observations to further biodiversity research. It’s easy to pull up on a hike or even a walk around the block. Download iNaturalist

Seek by iNaturalist

For a more gamified, family-friendly plant and animal identification app, you can try Seek, powered by iNaturalist data. While your observations can still contribute to public datasets, you can also choose to keep them private. Download Seek

PurpleAir

PurpleAir's low-cost air quality monitor are a great way to get hyper local air quality data. This is especially useful for urban communities or regions prone to wildfires. By buying and setting up a Purple Air sensor, you'll be helping provide real-time, accurate data that governments and scientists can use to improve air quality. Check out Purple Air’s sensors

Collections of specific projects

Zooniverse

With around 50 projects to choose from and millions of volunteers, Zooniverse is the largest citizen science platform. It allows volunteers without a specialized background to contribute to research. Browse Zooniverse projects

NASA Citizen Science Projects

NASA has citizen science projects where volunteers can collaborate with scientists to make important discoveries. Hundreds of citizen scientists have been named as co-authors on NASA’s scientific publications. There are dozens of projects available for anyone around the world to participate in. Browse NASA Citizen Science Projects