When Ada Twist performed her stink experiment, she tried to gather as much information
as she could. Gathering data is how scientists test their hypotheses and learn more about the subjects they study. Sometimes, scientists need help gathering data. That’s when they call on citizen scientists!
Citizen scientists are people like you who help in scientific research. Citizen scientists gather data about animals, climate, aging, botany, and many other topics.
The Great Backyard Bird Count is one example of citizen science at work. Each February, more than one hundred thousand people of all ages from around the world join in! They count and identify the birds near them and share the data they collect.
The Great Backyard Bird Count gives scientists a snapshot of the world’s bird populations. Scientists use the data to learn more about weather and climate change, bird diseases, and migration.
You can learn how to join in at GBBC.birdcount.org.