# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Voices of Vruljica: Young Citizens Fighting Water Pollution

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Investigating Water Pollution and Its Impact on Aquatic Ecosystems: A Citizen Science Project by the Vruljica River

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Fight light pollution by embracing the dark - Scientix blog

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
By teaching children to embrace dark skies and fight light pollution, we are nurturing a generation of environmentally conscious individuals.

# data[].attributes.body
by R.Cvetkoski OŠ Petra Preradovica school

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sustainability Tools for a Greener Future | Sustainability Global

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Discover Sustainability Global’s sustainability tools, like AI carbon calculators & skill tests, for a greener future. Join us!

# data[].attributes.body
by R.Cvetkoski

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Digital Tools for Green Learning – 1YearForEarth

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Interactive learning tools can be a powerful way to support students as they learn about sustainability. Apps and games can help students understand how sustainability concepts connect to their everyday life, making lessons feel more meaningful, while also teaching 21st century skills. Research has shown that gamification in particular can be an effective tool for sustainability education, assuming best practices are followed in their design (check out the “Definition” link below for more information).

# data[].attributes.headline
6 Digital Tools for Environmental Education & Sustainability in 2025 

# data[].attributes.subject
6 Digital Tools for Environmental Education & Sustainability in 2025 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
6 Digital Tools for Environmental Education & Sustainability

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Digital tools have transformed how sustainability concepts are taught, making education more accessible, interactive, and data-driven.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Spring is the perfect time of year for citizen science! It's warming up outside, students are getting antsy and exhausted, testing is underway, breaks are badly needed. On top of that, things start to get active in the world of wildlife, especially in temperate regions like Minnesota. Animals emerge from hibernation, migrating species begin their long journeys to their summer sanctuaries, and it's breeding season for many organisms. ​

Citizen science is when citizens, like your students, have the opportunity to play an active role in wildlife studies or projects going on around the world that benefit from participation by citizens. Hawk Watch International, for example, hosts hawk counting events at their migration sites that anyone can participate in. Volunteers count passing hawks and record their count to an online database.

Citizen science is a great learning tool for many reasons. One is the application of science concepts to the real-world, which is an element of experiential learning. Participating in citizen science also shows students that they can play a role in improving the community and the world around them. They are active citizens, an important 21st-century skill.

One way to approach citizen science experiences is through project-based learning. It is easy to turn citizen science projects into PBL experiences because many of the elements of PBL are organically there. Students connect with and collaborate with the community, the experience is authentic, as are the learning outcomes. Check out my PBL Toolkit for guiding materials.

The following is a list of some of my favorite citizen science projects to do with my high school students AND my own young children. The projects listed below are appropriate for ALL ages. There are many more citizen science programs out there other than the 20 listed below. I'd love to know about others! Feel free to leave those in the comments.

The purpose of this project is to raise awareness about light pollution and its impact on communities. Students can report their night sky brightness observations daily. All they need is a computer or phone. This would be a great supplemental learning experience to a broader PBL project on light pollution.

This website has a variety of projects to get involved in, which is nice when it comes to student-directed learning. Students can pick a citizen science project in line with their interests such as insects, mammals, migrating species, invasive species and more.

​What's really cool about this website is that is promotes communication and collaboration with naturalists and research scientists. Community experts are an important piece of the project-based learning experience, so if you are approaching citizen science through a PBL approach, this particular project is gold!

​Project Budburst focuses on plant observations. The intention of the program is to understand human impact on wildlife, particularly plants. One area of focus right now is determining how plants are and will continue to respond to climate change.

This site has a tab for educators with age specific learning activity recommendations, as well as collaboration opportunities with other citizen groups and scientists.

Project Noah is another citizen science option that emphasizes wildlife observation and inquiry. This citizen science project specifically caught my eye because students or classes can join a mission already in place OR they can create their own citizen science mission. This would be a neat group PBL project or great way to ease into self-directed project-based learning. Students can choose a local species, habitat, population, or community of interest and design a mission using the Project Noah website.

Check out my self-directed PBL starter kit PBL templates to help guide students through this self-directed project-based learning experience.

This citizen science project seems a bit dull. I mean, squirrels? They're so ubiquitous and kind of a nuisance. Squirrels, however, can tell us a lot about the health of the surrounding environment. Students can get involved in this project by recording squirrel observations and photos. It's a more interesting and hands-on way to learn about ecosystems.

Note: Almost all citizen science projects that my students get involved with are in connection with a project-based learning experience. Students participate in collecting data and use the data collected as a form of authentic inquiry.

​For help getting started and/or managing self-directed project-based learning, grab these free tools!

This resource is incredible. What's different about Zooniverse compared to the other citizen science options mentioned so far is that the projects cross disciplines. There are projects on climate, history, literature, medicine and even art, not just natural science. One of the projects is called "Anti-Slavery Manuscripts". This project was added by the Boston Public Library to include citizens in transcribing their collection of letters written by anti-slavery activists.

I think the best feature of this website is that students can create their own citizen science projects to add to the site, which citizens from all over the world can then contribute to. Another cool opportunity for self-directed PBL or large group/class PBL.

SciStarter is similar to Zooniverse in that there are a variety of citizen science projects available to choose from AND students can create their own. It is essentially a massive catalog of citizen science projects, which includes far more than natural science projects. Students can find projects around human behavior, literature, language, history, and even citizen science projects around Covid-19.

One of my favorite things about this website is their blog. The blog articles illuminate the impact of citizen science on our understanding of the world.

This is a super black and white, straightforward catalog of citizen science projects in the U.S. It is not fancy and does not have a special section for educators like many of the websites mentioned so far. However, the catalog is exhaustive.

If you are having your learners do student-directed PBL projects, this website is a great place to start. They can search for ideas relevant to their interests. They can build their own citizen science projects here and crowdsource any number of documents or data points. There is also a step-by-step guide included on this website to help guide users through the process of developing their own citizen science projects.

9. World Water Monitoring Challenge

This project is fantastic for raising awareness and educating students on water issues across the globe. Students monitor their local waterways by performing water quality tests. Consider implementing scientific open-inquiry labs on water quality in your area (check out my inquiry-based learning toolkit for guiding materials - I also have several student-directed water pollution activities in my store including inquiry, PrBL and PBL.) Students that are especially passionate about this issue and want to get more involved can apply to be ambassadors on the website.

The downside to this citizen science project is that it is not free. Specific water quality kits need to be purchased to participate. One upside (of many) is that it's global.

This citizen science project is only open for participation a few days per year. There are four designated days for citizens from all over the world to count birds. Those days often fall in February, so if you missed it this year, get it on your calendar for next year! Students count birds, submit observations, and explore the data.

​There is also a photo contest students can take part in! Your students will need access to smartphones and the eBird app to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Hawk Watch International, which I mentioned above, is a similar program, but specific to hawks.

Journey North is a citizen science option that specifically focuses on migrating species such as the monarch butterfly and whooping cranes. There are many organisms to choose from as well as specific projects.

​The Symbolic Migration project is one example where students from around the world create paper butterflies and send them to students in Mexico. Those students then care for them through the winter and return them in the spring, symbolizing butterfly migration. This is a cool way to integrate art, geography, science, history, and culture, as well as to encourage global learning and collaboration. My kids and I participate in the loon program each spring, which is the MN state bird (my place of residence).

As the title of this citizen science option suggests, this particular project is specific to butterfly and moth sightings across North America. Students can take photographs and record sighting locations of butterflies, moths, and/or caterpillars to the database. Students can open and analyze data maps.

Migrating moths and butterflies use the north as a summer sanctuary and the south as a winter sanctuary. They can be found in most environments from urban gardens to national parks. My students and children take part in this project every spring.

13.

This project can be found and your group managed through Zooniverse (#6). Scientists and conservationists need help tracking and identifying species in Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique. Students scroll through photos taken by wildcams placed in the park. Students identify organisms and their behaviors IN the photos.

Students can participate from anywhere in the world, including in a classroom. I understand some educators don't have the flexibility to get out of the building everyday to view wildlife. This is a great option for those in this situation. This project is also highly collaborative, and pretty addicting once you start!

This website is geared toward educators. Nature's Notebook focuses heavily on phenology monitoring, but what's cool is that you can create your own phenology monitoring program with your students relevant to your community. Your students could consider starting a citizen science program as an upper level project-based learning experience.

The Wildlab Bird is another citizen science opportunity offered by Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Students observe birds near their learning spaces and report sightings of GPS-tagged birds to Wildlab. One thing that is unique to this citizen science option is that they promote STEM. They put a strong emphasis on integrating technology, so much so, that they will provide iPhones to your students for this project. They will also visit your school or other learning environment free of cost to help you get started.

This project encourages urbanites to observe their surroundings and appreciate wildlife. You don't have to be in the middle of a national park to find wildlife. This is a great project for urban students that don't have easy access to natural areas.

I love this project! There are so many learning opportunities built into it. It is not simply a matter of counting birds in your school yard. You could take advantage of design thinking by having your students build their own bird feeders. The shape, structure size, color, and food included will all be dependent on the bird they're hoping to attract and count.

​In order to find this information students will have to do some research on the natural history of birds in their community. You could split your students up into groups, have each team determine a bird of focus, design a bird feeder specific to the species of their choice, and then observe and count the birds to report to Project FeederWatch. This would be a great PBL experience. Use my PBL tool kit to help organize this experience.

The purpose of this program is for citizens to help create a thorough map of ant species and their ranges across North America. This is a great supplemental activity or could be a PBL project in itself. Students would learn about the natural history of ants in North America, what they eat, their behaviors, distribution, and more while contributing to real science. This website has many resources for educators as well.

Another one on insects! The Lost Ladybug Project asks citizens to help them collect ladybugs, photograph them, and submit the images along with some basic information such as location, date, habitat, etc, to their database. This could be a great supplemental activity to a larger discussion or unit on topics like invasive species, habitats, competition, evolution, genetics, and more. Be creative, or let your students get creative by having them conduct student-led scientific open inquiry investigations.

The Great Sunflower Project emphasizes pollinators, a hugely important topic and one that has been in the spotlight for quite some time, as our pollinators are at risk. There are a few ways to get students involved in this program. Peruse the website for options.

Students can learn about important habitats for pollinators by literally designing and/or creating their own pollinator habitat such as a bee or butterfly garden. Check out my pollinator garden PBL project to pair up with this citizen science project for a deep, engaging, and authentic learning experience.

Another resource I have found helpful in successful citizen science projects is citizenscience.org . They have webinars, conferences, and Citizen Science Month (April) events that students can participate in.

Thanks for visiting! I hope you're able to get your students involved in at least one of these citizen science projects this year.

​Follow Experiential Learning Depot on , , , and for more on experiential education, and check out my TpT store for experiential learning resources .

Did you know there is an experiential learning Facebook group? Check that out - Experiential Learning Community for K12 Teachers - and join in the discussion about experiential learning ideas such as citizen science.

Relevant Blog Posts:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
20 Citizen Science Projects for Students of All Ages

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Get your students involved in citizen science! There are so many great projects out there for students of all ages to get involved in, many of which are geared toward students and educators. Check out my top 20 citizen science projects to do with my child

# data[].attributes.body
by I.Medić, Posedarje

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Dzivula Gube
Marine Conservationist & Underwater Photographer, Kenya

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
iNaturalist is a social network for naturalists! Record your observations of plants and animals,
share them with friends and researchers, and learn about the natural world.

# data[].attributes.headline
A Wildlife Community On A Mission To Photograph Every Species In The World

# data[].attributes.subject
A Wildlife Community On A Mission To Photograph Every Species In The World

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Home | Worldwide Wildlife Community | Project Noah

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Project Noah is a worldwide community discovering, photographing and identifying wildlife. Together, one wildlife spotting at a time, Project Noah is creating a community-powered digital catalog of species!

# data[].attributes.body
https://loess-project.eu/learning-scenarios/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAdGRleAOdFFtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAafdEZrX5X-XrUHSA4yCI0LXpO6CfleRFed8vmnEUt2mHRoYR6UjxPTxQ7SOMQ_aem_LmR-8C34scwDmwxkAR5zzA

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.nbsacademy.eu/nbs-academy-resource-hub/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAdGRleAOdFKZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAafdEZrX5X-XrUHSA4yCI0LXpO6CfleRFed8vmnEUt2mHRoYR6UjxPTxQ7SOMQ_aem_LmR-8C34scwDmwxkAR5zzA

# data[].attributes.headline
The Sustainability Starts with Teachers programme

# data[].attributes.subject
The Sustainability Starts with Teachers programme

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The workshops are designed to assess how the education system, particularly teacher education, can respond to sustainability challenges via ESD. Despite efforts to include ESD and sustainable development concerns in education, gaps were identified during the consultation workshop. The workshops are thus the first step in assessing sustainability challenges and what can be done to address these.

Policy briefs have been developed for five countries to date - Zimbabwe, Zambia, Lesotho, Botswana and Namibia. Each four-page brief considers, for each country:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sustainability Starts with Teachers Programme - Teacher Education

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The workshops are designed to assess how the education system, particularly teacher education, can respond to sustainability challenges via ESD. Despite efforts to include ESD and sustainable development concerns in education, gaps were identified during the consultation workshop. The workshops are thus the first step in assessing sustainability challenges and what can be done to address these.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Our free certificated student course is designed to be delivered by teachers, careers leads or facilitators to students aged 14-18. The course includes three modules, split into bitesize 30 minute learning units for maximum flexibility. It can be delivered as part of your careers provision, within curriculum subjects or as an extra-curricular activity.

We provide all the materials needed to make this course easy to deliver with minimal preparation. They include a script, detailed notes and guides to enable you to deliver confidently, in a way that suits you.

To access future resources and student course certificates, join our community of educators through our newsletter.

Course Overview

CPD Training: Delivering the Sustainable Futures course

Our free certificated CPD training webinars will help you to deliver all components of the Sustainable Futures course and support your students to apply sustainable thinking as they consider their post-education journey.

CPD 1 - Delivering the sustainable futures course

22 November | 4-5pm

An introduction to the course and the concept of sustainable careers. Tips on how to deliver Module 1 - What is Sustainability?

You'll cover sustainable values, the Sustainable Development Goals, and applied systems thinking.

CPD 2 - Sustainable Business

29 November | 4-5pm

You'll be equipped to deliver module 2 and learn how to bring to life concepts around sustainable business, including doughnut economics, the circular economy, and greenwashing.

CPD 3 - Mapping a sustainable career pathway
6 December | 4-5pm
Guidance on how to deliver Module 3 where you'll gain the tools to equip your students to apply sustainable thinking to improve their employability and pursue a career pathway that is good for them and the planet.

"I really love everything you've put together. It's a massive gap in the curriculum at the moment...it looks like it's going to be really easy for teachers to use, because I think a lot of staff are quite nervous about having some of these discussions and not knowing all the answers. Whereas you've got a nice journey through something that seems to be well balanced."

Sign up for free classroom resources and more...

By registering your school with WWF, you'll be joining thousands of teachers and pupils across the UK taking action for our world. We'll keep you informed of new classroom resources, activities, events and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses.

You'll also have the opportunity to participate in our teacher panels, share your experiences and help contribute to our future education work. You can choose your marketing preferences at the end of this form.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our free certificated student course is designed to be delivered by teachers, careers leads or facilitators to students aged 14-18. The course includes three modules, split into bitesize 30 minute learning units for maximum flexibility. It can be delivered as part of your careers provision, within curriculum subjects or as an extra-curricular activity.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
LESSON PLANS ON THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

# data[].attributes.headline
A blog post on exploring citizen science platforms

# data[].attributes.subject
A blog post on exploring citizen science platforms

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
From Observation to Impact: Exploring Citizen Science Platforms | UCL Open@UCL Blog

# data[].attributes.headline
Application for Sustainability from the start

# data[].attributes.subject
Application for Sustainability from the start

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
ECE Academy – Applications sur Google Play

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Le développement durable dès l’enfance (Sustainability from the Start)

# data[].attributes.body
Age group: Primary / Lower secondary
Duration: 20–30 minutes

Objective:
Students learn how simple daily actions help protect the environment.

Activity:
Students choose one green action (recycling, saving water or energy, reusing materials) and show it through a drawing or short discussion.

Outcome:
Students understand that small actions can make big changes for a greener future.

# data[].attributes.body
Age group: Primary / Lower secondary
Duration: 20–30 minutes

Objective:
Students observe nature and collect simple data to understand how human actions affect the environment.

Activity:
Students observe plants, trees, weather, or litter around the school or at home.
They record what they see (drawings, simple notes, or photos) and discuss how to protect nature.

Outcome:
Students develop observation skills, environmental awareness, and learn that they can contribute to real environmental knowledge through simple actions.

# data[].attributes.body
Age group: Primary / Lower secondary

Description:
Students use a shared Padlet to post one simple green action they do at school or at home (recycling, saving water or energy, reusing materials).
They can add a short text, a drawing, or a photo.

Purpose:
The tool encourages collaboration, reflection, and the development of green skills through digital participation.

Outcome:
Students understand how individual actions contribute to a more sustainable and greener environment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Green Europe Small Actions, Big Changes 🌱 Greetings from our students A

# data[].attributes.body
Our students take part in simple green actions that help protect nature and build sustainability skills.
Small actions today lead to big changes for a greener Europe tomorrow.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
_„Lecturi inspirate”, elevii au realizat mesaje scrise de mână cu citate ecologice, _Mesajele sa fie cu fata catre mine sa le pot citi si in li mba romana

# data[].attributes.headline
My green actions – digital classroom tool

# data[].attributes.subject
My green actions – digital classroom tool

# data[].attributes.body
A simple digital tool where students share one green action they do at school or at home.
It helps develop sustainability awareness, responsibility, and green skills through reflection and collaboration

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
_„Lecturi inspirate”, elevii au realizat mesaje scrise de mână cu citate ecologice, _Mesajele sa fie cu fata catre mine sa le pot citi (1)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Dal 22 al 30 novembre 2025 in Europa si organizza una settimana nella quale noi ci impegniamo a ridurre, riutilizzare e riciclare tutti i rifiuti, la cosiddetta SERR. Ognuno di noi dovrebbe chiedersi se ha davvero bisogno dei beni che sta per acquistare prima di comprarli. Questo vale anche per l'imballaggio in cui vengono venduti alcuni prodotti. Potremmo riutilizzare le cose, prenderle in prestito da un amico, riparare oggetti rotti o condividere. Questo è il momento in cui tutti i consumatori consapevoli possono davvero fare la differenza. Sostituire gli oggetti monouso con quelli riutilizzabili in ogni ambito della nostra vita! Questo vale non solo per la plastica, ma per tutti gli altri articoli e prodotti monouso! Oggi ne abbiamo parlato con i compagni di classe, ne parleremo in famiglia e con gli amici!

L'edizione 2025 della SERR, settimana europea per la riduzione dei rifiuti, mira a fare una campagna di informazione sulle attività di riduzione, riparazione e riutilizzo delle apparecchiature.

Avete mai sentito parlare di RAEE? Ora ve lo spieghiamo noi! RAEE è l'acronimo di Rifiuti di Apparecchiature Elettriche ed Elettroniche .E' un tipo di raccolta differenziata per gli oggetti elettronici. Non è una differenziata molto nota ; infatti nella nostra classe pochi di noi la conoscevano e la realizzavano. Se anche tu vuoi fare un piccolo gesto per rispettare l'ambiente, inizia a differenziare correttamente oggetti come giocattoli vecchi che non funzionano più ed hanno parti elettriche. Devi parlare con i tuoi genitori e cercare il centro di raccolta del tuo comune. Il problema della riduzione dei rifiuti è molto serio. In Italia alcuni comuni e alcune scuole hanno firmato un protocollo ZERO WASTE cioè si impegnano a ridurre la produzione di rifiuti, una di queste scuole si trova a Firenze ed è l'istituto Comprensivo Puccini, il primo Istituto in Italia che ha firmato il protocollo ZERO WASTE.

IRENE G.,SARA C.,SVEVA P., VITTORIA M.,IRENE P. classe I C

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Dal 22 al 30 novembre 2025 in Europa si organizza una settimana nella quale noi ci impegniamo a ridurre, r

# data[].attributes.body
Su dviejų metų vaikais gaminome sėklų bombas iš molio žemės įvairių gėlių sėklų "Permakultūra". Vaikai nešė namo sodino, dovanojome bendruomenei. augančios gėlės bus bitėmas, drugeliams.