Barnegat Library To Host Citizen Science Program

BARNEGAT, NJ — Residents curious about science but unsure how to get involved will have a chance to learn more at the Barnegat Branch of the Ocean County Library. The branch will host “Becoming a Citizen Scientist” at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, according to the library announcement.

The free program is designed to show attendees how they can contribute to scientific research through what the library described as simple activities. The announcement says the session will focus on ways small acts of science through SciStarter can lead to broader impact, and that no expertise is needed to take part.

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Darlene Cavalier will lead the program, according to the announcement. The library identified Cavalier as a Professor of Practice at Arizona State University, author of the Field Guide to Citizen Science, National Geographic Explorer, and founder of SciStarter.

The event will introduce citizen science as a growing movement that invites people to contribute to research through meaningful activities, according to the announcement. The library said participants can learn about projects that range from sharing observations of nature to exploring online data involving animals, weather patterns or other objects scientists are studying.

Attendees also will learn how SciStarter works as a free citizen science hub, according to the announcement. The library said the platform helps people find local and online projects, events, resources and optional self-guided trainings.

The program also will include opportunities for people to try a sampling of projects firsthand, according to the announcement. That hands-on component is intended to give participants a direct look at how citizen science projects work.

Registration is required for the free event. People can register by visiting tinyurl.com/ScientistOCL, calling 609-693-3331, or stopping by the Barnegat Branch at 112 Burr St.