As schools in Austria start their summer break, it is the prefect time to take science beyond the classroom and bring it into your everyday life. You don’t need to be a scientist to do real science.
Welcome to the world of citizen science: projects where the public collect data, make observations, and help scientists understand the world better. Whether you are in the mountains, the city, or your garden, there are countless opportunities this summer to participate in scientific research and have fun doing it.
Here are some outdoor-friendly, educational citizen science activities you can join as family, student, or explorer.
1. Spotting Species: Join the Global Biodiversity Community
Platform: iNaturalist (https://www.inaturalist.org/)
What to do: Go outside and photograph any plants, insects, or animals you see. Upload your photos and location. The app identifies the species and shares it with scientists tracking biodiversity.
It Helps monitor the health of ecosystems and track changes in species distribution due to climate change or habitat loss.
2. Nature’s Calendar: Observe Seasonal Change
Platform: ZAMG & Austrian Phenology Network (https://www.naturkalender.at/ )
What to do: Observe when plants bloom, birds migrate, or trees change color. These small observations help scientists understand how climate change affects seasonal cycles in Austria.
This data is crucial for modeling ecological shifts and adapting to changing environments.
3. Birdwatching for Science
Platform: BirdLife Österreich (https://www.birdlife.at/pages/vogelzaehlungen.php)
What to do: Watch birds in your garden, park, or balcony and count how many of each species you see. Submit your results during the campaign weeks—or observe birds any time using eBird.
Bird populations are key indicators of environmental health. Your sightings help track species decline or growth.
4. River Detectives: Monitoring Water Quality
Platform: Plastic Pirates – Go Europe! (https://www.plastic-pirates.eu/at )
What to do: Join a group or school project to collect plastic waste samples from rivers and streams. Record your data and contribute to research on microplastics and water pollution across Europe.
Tackles a pressing environmental issue and teaches hands-on methods in ecology and sustainability.
These citizen science projects aren’t just activities, they are meaningful learning experiences that help develop observation, critical thinking, and data collecting skills. And more importantly, to connect science to real life.
🌞 This summer, bring science outside the classroom!
Explore your surroundings, make observations, and know that your contribution matters.
