10 Citizen Science Projects High Schoolers Can Join Today

Curious about science beyond the classroom? Want to make a real difference in the world while building your skills and your college resume? Citizen science is your ticket in. By joining these collaborative projects, you’ll work alongside professional scientists, contribute to real research, and discover just how much your observations and ideas matter.

Here are 10 cool citizen science projects you can begin right away, no lab coat needed!

1.iNaturalist

Take pictures of plants, animals, fungi, or insects around your neighborhood, submit them to the iNaturalist app or website, and assist scientists in charting biodiversity globally. Get feedback from the worldwide community and can participate in special missions on anything from pollinators to invasive species.

Ideal for: Nature enthusiasts, photographers, and smartphone owners.

2.Globe at Night

Assist scientists in researching light pollution by taking a simple reading of how bright your night sky appears. You just need your eyes, a computer or phone, and a couple of minutes after sunset. Your results contribute to monitoring how artificial light influences wildlife, human health, and our visible stars.

Ideal for: Astronomy enthusiasts, environmentalists, and students.

3.Galaxy Zoo

Categorize galaxies from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope and other telescopes. Simply log in, view breathtaking photos of far-off galaxies, and respond to easy questions to assist scientists in comprehending the evolution of the universe.

Ideal for: Fans of space, aspiring astronomers, and anyone fascinated by cosmic mysteries.

4.Foldit

Play a puzzle game online that assists scientists in addressing actual issues in biology. Folding virtual proteins into new shapes on your computer will aid researchers in studying diseases such as COVID-19, Alzheimer's, and others.

Great for: Gamers, aspiring biologists, and problem solvers.

5.eBird

Become part of a community of millions of birders across the globe by documenting your bird counts on eBird. Your contributions are used by scientists to monitor bird populations and migratory patterns. From a park in the city to your own backyard, your observations matter. 

Best for: Nature enthusiasts, park explorers, and students of ecology.

6.Project BudBurst

Observe and record when plants in your area sprout, bloom, or fruit. Your records help scientists understand how climate change is affecting local ecosystems. This is perfect for students who want to make a difference in their own neighborhoods.

Perfect for: Gardeners, botanists, and nature lovers in general.

7.Aurorasaurus

Witness the northern or southern lights? Share your observations with Aurorasaurus, and assist researchers in monitoring aurora activity in real time. You can also corroborate others' claims and find out about the science behind these breathtaking natural light shows.

Ideal for: Night owls, photographers, and students residing in northern or southern latitudes.

8.The Great Backyard Bird Count

Join others worldwide every February to count birds in your backyard, neighborhood park, or school yard. Report your findings online and help provide one of the world's biggest biodiversity data sets.

Best for: First-time and seasoned birders.

9.Zooniverse

Zooniverse is a huge website that has dozens of citizen science projects, ranging from recognizing animals in camera trap images to transcribing old documents or classifying weather. Surf around, select something that suits your fancy, and get started in minutes.

Ideal for: Students who would like to sample several projects and learn about new interests.

10.Chesapeake Water Watch

Live along the Chesapeake Bay? Use your cell phone to measure water quality and assist scientists in tracking the health of this critical ecosystem. Your data inform studies on pollution, climate change, and conservation.

Ideal for: Chesapeake area students, future environmental scientists, and all interested in water concerns.

Citizen science is not a hobby, it's an opportunity to be a part of actual discoveries, connect with professionals, and leave your mark on the world. Whatever your interest – stars, plants, birds, or data – there is a project for you. Pick up your phone, go outside, and begin observing. Your observations might be the spark for the next big discovery!

If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Research offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world. 

Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE Research’s official website and take your college preparation to the next level!