Citizen Science Kits – Available at the Morgantown Public Library!
Explore Science at Home with Our New Citizen Science Kits!
The Morgantown Public Library is excited to introduce Citizen Science Kits, now available for checkout! These hands-on kits provide everything you need to participate in real scientific research from the comfort of your home or out in the community. Perfect for all ages, our kits help you contribute valuable data to global research projects while learning about the world around you.
What Kits Can I Check Out?
- Biodiversity Kits — This kit helps scientists collect data about the local wildlife. Community members are encouraged to upload their findings to iNaturalist, a site that shares the information gathered with scientists. The kit includes binoculars, a lens kit that attaches to a smart phone to assist with taking pictures, as well as information about local species. Anyone can use iNaturalist.
- Cloud Kits — This kit helps NASA scientists collect data about clouds. The kit includes some information to assist with cloud identification as well as information on how to get the app. Globe Observer is an app through NASA that uses the data gathered about clouds to help them get an accurate picture of the weather. The observations we gather as a community will help NASA scientists interpret the information they get from satellites.
- Water Quality Kit — This kit includes different ways to test water quality. It includes PH strips and a TDS meter (Total Dissolved Solids). This information is shared with mWater, an NGO that collects information about water quality from areas around the world.
How to Check Out a Kit
The Citizen Science Kits are available for check out at the Morgantown Public Library! Stop by the front desk with your library card to pick up a kit.
Citizen Science Kits are a fantastic way for families, students, and curious minds to engage in real-world science. Whether you’re an aspiring scientist or just love learning, these kits make it easy to contribute to meaningful research. If you would like to anonymously submit your data, please use these forms for the Biodiversity Kit, Cloud Kit, and/or Water Quality Kit.
Check out a kit today and start your science adventure!
BioBlitz: April 1-30
The month of April is Citizen Science Month! To celebrate this, the Morgantown Public Library is hosting a BioBlitz. Our BioBlitz is a month-long challenge where people work as a community to submit as much scientific data about Morgantown’s wildlife, clouds, and water quality as possible. There are several ways you can participate in the BioBlitz. Patrons of the Morgantown Public Library can check out one of our new Citizen Science Kits! These hands-on kits provide everything you need to gather and submit data about your area’s wildlife, clouds, and water quality. But you don’t have to have a Citizen Science kit to participate in the BioBlitz! Simply download the apps from the app store (iNaturalist for wildlife data, Globe Observer for cloud data, and mWater for water quality data) to gather and submit data right from your backyard.
BioBlitz Party
Join us Saturday, April 19th from 12:00-3:00pm at the Cheat Area Public Library (CAPL) for a BioBlitz Party, a fun, all-ages drop-in event celebrating a month of citizen science! Explore a small outdoor area near CAPL to identify local species, enjoy some provided snacks, and pick up informational pamphlets to continue your biodiversity journey. Friends of Deckers Creek will give an engaging presentation at 12:00pm on the importance of biodiversity and what we can do to protect it. This event is the perfect way to reflect on our discoveries so far and learn even more about the natural world!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can check out a Citizen Science Kit?
Anyone with a valid Morgantown Public Library System library card can check out a kit from the Morgantown Public Library.
How long can I keep a kit?
Kits can be checked out for 3 weeks. Please return them on time so everyone has a chance to participate.
Do I need special training to use a kit?
No special training is required! Each kit includes clear instructions to guide you through the project.
How do I submit my findings?
Each kit includes instructions on where to submit your data online. The Biodiversity Kit uses iNaturalist, the Cloud Kit uses Globe Observer, and the Water Quality Kit uses mWater. If you would like to anonymously submit your data, please use these forms for the Biodiversity Kit, Cloud Kit, and/or Water Quality Kit.
What is the BioBlitz?
BioBlitz is a month-long challenge in April where people work as a community to submit as much scientific data about Morgantown’s wildlife, clouds, and water quality as possible. There are several ways you can participate in the BioBlitz — you can check out a Citizen Science Kit from the Morgantown Public Library or simply download the apps from the app store (iNaturalist for wildlife data, Globe Observer for cloud data, and mWater for water quality data) to gather and submit data right from your backyard.