Introducing the NASA Citizen Science Toolkit for Librarians
Librarians have a new resource to engage their communities with exciting NASA science projects. The NASA citizen science toolkit is designed specifically for librarians and educators who want to share NASA’s citizen science opportunities with their patrons. Whether you work in a rural or urban library, lead youth groups, coordinate activities in retirement communities, or serve as an informal educator, this toolkit offers valuable support. It opens the door for more people to experience the fun, learning, and excitement of participating in NASA science.
This toolkit equips program leaders to host NASA science events suitable for participants aged 8 and older. It provides everything needed to prepare, organize, and run a successful event focused on NASA citizen science projects. The toolkit includes a comprehensive guide to help you get ready—from selecting and setting up the event space to understanding the citizen science project that will be featured.
What’s Included in the NASA Citizen Science Toolkit?
The NASA citizen science toolkit contains several practical resources. First, there is a detailed guide that walks you through the preparation steps for your event. This guide covers how to choose the right space and how to familiarize yourself with the NASA citizen science project you plan to highlight.
Additionally, the toolkit offers an editable 8.5” by 11” poster template. This poster can be customized to advertise your event and attract participants. To help you manage the event smoothly, a model agenda is also included. This agenda provides a suggested timeline and structure for your program.
Participants and leaders alike will benefit from a handout included in the toolkit. This handout helps everyone explore various NASA-sponsored citizen science projects and discover opportunities to get involved beyond the event.
Support from NASA Experts and Positive Feedback
The toolkit was created by Sarah Kirn, a Participatory Science Strategist at NASA affiliated with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, and Kara Reiman, a librarian. They collaborated with NASA’s Citizen Science Officer, Marc Kuchner, to develop this resource. To further assist users, they recorded a video walk-through explaining how to use the toolkit effectively.
Feedback from early users has been very positive. One participant shared, “I appreciate this so much! I have started Citizen Science Kits for circulation over this past year and am excited to share new opportunities with our patrons!” Another commented on the impact in a rural, primarily native community: “The kids here are limited with their nearby opportunities, so sharing this with them is a huge win.”
Discover NASA Citizen Science Projects and Get Involved
If you are wondering which NASA citizen science project is right for your group, you can explore all available projects at science.nasa.gov/citizen-science. The NASA citizen science toolkit for librarians also offers additional resources to help you make the most of these opportunities.
By sharing this toolkit or using it yourself, you can invite more people to participate in NASA science. Who knows what discoveries await those who join in? The toolkit is a valuable way to connect your community with real NASA science and inspire curiosity and learning.
For more information and to get involved, visit the NASA citizen science website and follow NASA Science on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at @nasascience_.
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Source: original article.