Any science experiment can be fun and educational, but what if you could also be participating in a real study to help our world? I believe science comes alive when you don’t know the outcome, when you are part of a community, and when your effort really makes a difference. For those who live in North America, your family can be part of the Bumble Bee Watch.
We need bees to pollinate our world, but their populations are in decline. At the moment, scientists don’t have enough data and need your help! All you need is a camera and the internet. From the Bumble Bee Watch website:
This citizen science project allows for individuals to:
- Upload photos of bumble bees to start a virtual bumble bee collection;
- Identify the bumble bees in your photos and have your identifications verified by experts;
- Help researchers determine the status and conservation needs of bumble bees;
- Help locate rare or endangered populations of bumble bees;
- Learn about bumble bees, their ecology, and ongoing conservation efforts; and
- Connect with other citizen scientists.
This is a great summer project the whole family can participate in, and is good for all ages. Sign up and make science come alive!
Great post. Another way to help pollinators such as bumblebees, honeybees, and butterflies—-be cautious when buying plants for your yard. Plants sold by big box stores and garden centers are likely to contain the same systemic neonicotinoid insecticides blamed for killing pollinators. http://geekmom.com/2014/04/garden-poisoning-honeybees/