Welcome!

We are so excited to announce our April Virtual Citizen Science Expo (VCSE) hosted in collaboration with the Southeast Oklahoma Library System (SEOLS). The goal of the VCSE is to celebrate Citizen Science Month and share many opportunities to participate in citizen science with kids, families and youth educators.

Welcome to the Spotty Rain Campaign
Enhancing the Capacity for Rural Libraries to Engage the Public in Drought Monitoring

This website serves as the virtual home for our NSF Advancements in Informal STEM Learning (AISL) funded project that focuses on the design, development, and evaluation of informal science education (ISE) programs and educational media for use in rural libraries in drought prone areas of the Great Plains. Explore the pages to learn what we are working on as well as obtain various resources related to climate change and citizen science. Learn how to volunteer to 'Be a Drought Monitor' and find resources to Track, Report and Adapt to drought in your place.

Track. Find drought reports & weather forecasts. Build your own local drought report.

Report. Share your rain & snow totals. Use cool tools to monitor drought conditions.

Adapt. Search for videos and other resources for agriculture, education, and community planning.

LEARN: Be a Drought Monitor

Drought monitors can submit rainfall and local condition reports that help scientists, resource managers, and agriculturalists prepare and respond for drought events. Our interactive rain gauge display introduces patrons to volunteer drought monitoring using cartoon videos and a fun "make it rain" feature.

TRY: Backyard Explorers

The Backyard Explorers library program engages kids and families in doing citizen science at the library. The BYE videos and logbooks are FREE and accessible for use at your library for youth or pop-up programs.

ACT: Virtual Citizen Science Expo

The Virtual Citizen Science Expo (VCSE) is a virtual reality exhibit hall for learning about citizen science and drought monitoring. Backyard Explorers and the general public can access cool tools for nature observation, learn about volunteer opportunities, and meet real scientists during Citizen Science Month in April.

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