Who Are Citizen Scientists?
Citizen scientists are highly qualified experts who care deeply for their environment and protecting it for generations to come. They train volunteers and run educational opportunities for students to get involved in real science.
One of the current projects being research by citizen scientists is a study on mercury in dragonfly larvae. Students around the United States are being trained on how to sample dragonfly larvae in order to aid in the research being led by various agencies and partners.
One of the current projects being research by citizen scientists is a study on mercury in dragonfly larvae. Students around the United States are being trained on how to sample dragonfly larvae in order to aid in the research being led by various agencies and partners.
What's My Role as a Student?
STEM Launch 7th graders will be trained in protocol for collecting dragonfly larvae samples from a local site (off-site of the National Parks). Our samples will then be sent, on ice, to the University of Maine where they will be analyzed for mercury levels. Mercury is a toxic pollutant that can harm human and wildlife health. Scientists are interested in determining the levels of Mercury in various locations and finding ways to improve the health of ecosystems around the United States.