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Acts of Science: Connected — Companion Guide for Libraries
Use this page to brief staff, volunteers, speakers, and community partners. It explains Citizen Science Month, defines an Act of Science, connects the 2.50 Million Acts goal to America 250 and America Gives, and includes a ready-to-run 2-hour livestream agenda for satellite events.
Jump to Sample Agenda
Can’t Host? Easy Alternatives
What is Citizen Science Month?
Every April, people of all ages collaborate with researchers by collecting, classifying, and analyzing data that advances real-world science. Libraries, museums, schools, and community spaces become launchpads for discovery—connecting neighbors to meaningful projects they can start in minutes and continue all year.
Accessible: Projects are designed for beginners and families; no prior experience needed.
Impactful: Participants contribute real data used by scientists, policy makers, and conservation leaders.
Community-powered: Local hosts make it social, supportive, and fun.
What is an “Act of Science”?
An Act of Science is a single participant action that directly supports a research project—for example:
Classifying a galaxy in a telescope image or identifying wildlife in a photo.
Playing a research game (e.g., Stall Catchers) that analyzes real data.
Transcribing a line of historical text to make archives searchable.
Recording observations outdoors (air quality, biodiversity, sky brightness, etc.).
Acts are tracked via free SciStarter accounts so contributions count toward personal, library, and national totals.
How the “2.50 Million Acts of Science” Goal Connects to America 250 & America Gives
The national goal of 2.50 Million Acts of Science celebrates the United States’ 250th anniversary (America 250) by inviting everyone to contribute to the future through science. This aligns with the civic participation themes of America Gives and America Innovates—highlighting service, curiosity, and public problem-solving.
Each Act is civic participation: Libraries help neighbors see themselves as contributors to discovery.
Local to national: Your site’s Acts roll up into a shared national tally.
Continuity: Take-home materials make it easy to keep contributing after the event.
What Libraries Will Livestream
Two-hour virtual events produced by SciStarter, Arizona State University, and partners. Your library hosts a satellite gathering—displaying the live Zoom on a large screen with audio—so patrons can learn, ask questions, and actively contribute to a featured project.
Space / Galaxy ID: Join NASA scientists to identify galaxies in space telescope images.
Stall Catchers: Play a game to help Alzheimer’s researchers at Cornell University.
Instant Wild: Search camera-trap images to aid the London Zoo’s conservation work.
Transcription Mission: Transcribe Revolutionary War pension interviews to surface stories and make data discoverable.
Exact dates/times are listed on the host page; each program includes two evening sessions, and Earth Day adds a school-friendly morning session.
Sample 2-Hour Livestream Agenda (Satellite Event)
Before You Begin (Host Prep)
Reserve a space with projector/large screen, speakers, stable internet, and a Zoom-capable computer.
Print posters, take-home flyers, and display the QR code (from your toolkit).
Optional: set up a few computers or a lab area for hands-on participation.
Live Flow (120 minutes)
00:00–00:15 — Arrivals & Setup (15 min)
Open the Zoom link on the large screen with audio. Welcome guests. Run a quick ice-breaker (e.g., “Why does this research matter to you?”).
Start guided account setup as SciStarter welcomes participating libraries and everyone joining from school, home, or anywhere.
00:15–00:20 — Orientation (5 min)
Outline what’s planned, how the session works, and how Acts will be counted.
00:20–00:25 — Meet the Scientist (5 min)
Project scientist introduces the research goals, why volunteers are crucial, and how today’s participation helps.
00:25–01:50 — All Hands On Deck (85 min)
Everyone engages in the project (guided tasks on screen + individual participation). The scientist and facilitators take questions and provide tips throughout.
01:50–02:00 — Wrap-Up (10 min)
Scientist explains how volunteer data will be used and ways to stay involved. Library distributes takeaways (flyer or poster with QR) so patrons can continue at home.
Host completes the brief survey to tally Acts and provide event feedback.
What to Hand Out
One-page “Take It Home” flyer: quick steps to continue the project and ensure Acts count.
Poster with QR code: link to the companion page for instructions, video intro, and the recording after the live event.
Can’t Host a Satellite Event? No Problem.
Blurb for Your Newsletter / Website
Celebrate Citizen Science Month with us! Join Acts of Science: Connected—a national initiative from SciStarter and Arizona State University—where everyone can contribute to real research. Explore projects you can start in minutes and help reach the national goal of 2.50 Million Acts of Science. Visit our library to pick up a flyer or scan the QR code to get started from home. Every Act counts!
Display-All-Month Option
Print and post the “Acts of Science” flyer with a QR code to the companion page.
Feature a new project weekly (posters + short how-to cards).
Invite patrons to log their Acts via SciStarter so your library’s impact counts toward the national total.
Prefer a Different Time or Your Own Project?
Host an event that fits your schedule or choose a project aligned with your community’s interests—find programming ideas and resources at
citizensciencemonth.org. No matter how you participate, all Acts count toward the goal of 2.50 Million Acts of Science.
Ready to Bring This to Your Community?
Use this companion guide alongside the Host Page. If you need editable flyers, QR templates, or help with Zoom setup, reach out—we’re here to help.
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