Adventures in Community Science: Notes from the Field and a How-To Guide for Saving Species and Protecting Biodiversity

Are you ready to start thinking like a scientist and working like a conservation steward?    

Adventures in Community Science allows young readers and educators to explore various community science projects through natural history, journal entries, and sample data sets. One part nature journal and one part call to action, these studies and surveys will inspire readers to engage the natural world through hands-on exploration. Projects include:  

• Horseshoe Crab Rescue
• Night Lights (Firefly Activity)
• Finding Frogs
• Mystery Mussel
• Lanternflies Have Landed
• The Great Shorebird Migration
• SOS—Save Our Spiders  

The project-based learning approach is used in each of the seven adventures and encourages young scientists to make observations, collect data, and contribute to conservation efforts while gaining an understanding of nature. Science practice and education have become increasingly important in our world, and this how-to guide will have kids, their families, teachers, students, and community science groups examining the natural world around them while collecting meaningful data, learning science by practicing science, and helping to protect species and ecosystems in their backyards, in their communities, and throughout the world.

Ron Smith is a science educator, naturalist, and community science project leader from Merchantville, New Jersey. With over 25 years of project-, place-, and problem-based learning experience, Ron leads community science adventures for children and adults alike. Collaborating with various conservation organizations and scientists from universities and state agencies, Ron has initiated community science projects ranging from horseshoe crab rescues to frog surveys.

Lily Smith is an artist studying at Temple University’s Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia. As an art therapy major, Lily has engaged in various disciplines from painting to photography. She has applied her creative talents to conservation projects with emphasis on migratory birds, climate change, and ecosystem services and has assisted with art education projects for National Audubon’s Family Camp in Maine and various community science youth projects.