Blog written by Rachael Huegerich
February 10, 2024
Anyone can be a scientist, and the garden is a fantastic place for it!
One way to get started is by joining a community science (sometimes called citizen science) project, where lots of people help collect and analyze data from where they live. After all, some questions are way too big for one scientist to ask on their own. One fun British Columbia project (now Canada-wide) is Butterflies in My Backyard (BIMBY), from the David Suzuki Foundation, which involves taking photos of butterflies you find near home. Projects like these allow folks to learn together and, in this case, support butterfly conservation.
Check out related materials for children and teachers at the seed library display at the Education Library. You can find the seed library just past the reference desk—or learn more about UBC Library’s seed lending libraries here. Feel free to “borrow” some seeds, or some of the books on display now.
Here are a few books with community science activities inside.
Citizen scientists: be a part of scientific discovery from your own backyard
Written by Loree Griffin Burns; photographs by Ellen Harasimowicz
QL51 .B87 2012
Anyone can get involved in gathering data for ongoing, actual scientific studies such as the Audubon Bird Count and FrogWatch USA. Just get out into a field, urban park, or your own backyard.
You can put your nose to a monarch pupa or listen for raucous frog calls. You can tally woodpeckers or sweep the grass for ladybugs. This book, full of engaging photos and useful tips, will show you how.
Chasing bats and tracking rats: urban ecology, community science, and how we share our cities
Written by Cylita Guy; illustrations by Cornelia Li
QH541.5.C6 G89 2021
What can city bees tell us about climate change?
How are we changing coyote behavior?
And what the heck is a science bike?
Featuring the work of a diverse group of eleven scientists–herself included!–Dr. Cylita Guy shows how studying urban wildlife can help us make cities around the world healthier for all of their inhabitants.
Bird’s-eye view: keeping wild birds in flight
By Ann Eriksson
QL676.5 .E75 2020
Birds contribute to the health of the planet and provide pleasure for millions of people, but wild birds are in trouble.
Bird’s-Eye View looks at why wild birds are important, why they need help and what young people all over the world are doing and can do to give wild birds a boost.
Our world out of balance: understanding climate change and what we can do
Written by Andrea Minoglio; illustrated by Laura Fanelli; translated by Emma Mandley
QC903.15 .M55 2021
This accessible guide for children details how humans have thrown the planet off-balance and ways we can work to create a healthier world. Encouraging and easily digestible, this illustrated nonfiction guide introduces children ages eight to twelve to the important topic of climate change with tips on “How You Can Help” and citizen scientist activities.