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Middle school Citizen Science focuses on the collaborative process of environmental research and civic engagement.
Program Summary - Students venture out of their classrooms to take part in hands-on, real-world inquiry and problem solving. They review the goals of ongoing national environmental research projects, see how these projects relate to local environmental needs, and choose a project for further investigation.
Youth-led process - Students test different tools and methods for collecting data in the field prior to choosing their project. They collect data, upload their findings, and share their results with other students during the end-of-year Citizen Science Symposium.
Civic engagement - This program develops civic engagement by directly involving local youth with national scientific research projects. As they conduct local research and learn about local environmental issues, students are empowered to utilize their new found knowledge and skills with the resources and connections from this program to continue making a difference in their communities.
Symposium - The 2026 Citizen Science Symposium will be held in person at Indiana Dunes State Park. More than 300 students will participate in a day of learning and fun. Local and regional experts will present sessions on a wide variety of nature topics. Following lunch and a guided hike, students will get to explore the Lake Michigan beach.
The 2025 Citizen Science Symposium is sponsored by the Flora Richardson Foundation, with additional support from Foundations of East Chicago, United States Forest Service, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Lake Michigan Coastal Program.
Our Citizen Science Projects
eBird
Participants upload information about the species of birds identified by sight or call to help ornithologists utilize their data in new approaches to scientific research and conservation.
Hoosier Riverwatch
Volunteers report data on the quality of local bodies of water to help the Indiana Department of Environmental Management ensure the safety of water within Indiana.
Tea Time 4 Science
Teabags can provide vital information on the global carbon cycle. Help improve climate modeling by burying (and later retrieving) tea bags.
Ant Picnic
Participants report data on food preferences of local ant species to researchers at North Carolina State University to determine the species composition and diet preferences of ants across the country.
BudBurst: Pollinators
Volunteers collect and report observational data on pollinators visiting plants as to Chicago Botanic Garden contributing to a greater understanding of the impact of climate change on local phenology and pollinator species.
Lost Ladybug
Volunteers upload photographic data on local ladybug species found in their community to help entomologists track the various species living across the United States and determine the threat level of endangerment for the native ladybug species.
Mushroom Observer
Participants collect and report data on the fungi found locally to help grow a larger knowledge and database of the mysterious world of fungi.
Indiana Phenology
Hoosiers take and upload photos of local plants through iNaturalist to help scientists learn about how plant species respond to climate change locally, regionally, and on a state level.
The 2026 Citizen Science Symposium is sponsored by:
