Welcome! Libraries serving rural and small communities in the Great Plains and beyond are invited to take the Community Fellows: 3x3 Challenge. Here is the challenge...watch 3 short videos, give us feedback to 3 questions, and receive $300 to use for your citizen science programs. The goal of this video series is to share some ways to raise awareness and encourage your patrons to become volunteer drought monitors. Drought monitors are citizen scientists who report precipitation and drought conditions, so that we can all better prepare and manage for the severe impacts of drought on rural communities.
UPDATE: We have reached our goal of 50 registered libraries. How exciting! If you register, you will be added to a waitlist. Regardless, we encourage you to check out the video and resources below.
Register your rural or small library for the 3x3 Challenge:
We are recruiting up to 50 libraries to complete the challenge (librarians in OK, CO, and NE receive a bonus rain gauge). April is Citizen Science Month. We challenge you to try out these FREE displays and programs using fun videos and VR/AR to engage youth and families in citizen science. There is no requirement to host a program, although we hope you do!
Deadline to register, watch the videos, and complete the feedback forms is March 30, 2023.
Instructions:
- Watch each of the 3 videos (LEARN-TRY-ACT) and answer 3 questions on the feedback form.
- It is important that you try out each of the educational materials using augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) using your phone or tablet.
- Give us your expert opinion by completing the feedback form. We are interested in how you could use these materials in your library, as well as your experience 'trying out' the programs and technology.
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 it out! Interactive Rain Gauge Display
Download the Zappar app and scan the lightening bolt code below. Watch the videos to learn more about drought monitoring, and select the 'make it rain' button to experience AR rain and snow on your phone or tablet.
Download Zappar app: https://www.zappar.com/getzappar/
Try it out! Interactive Rain Gauge Display
Download the Zappar app and scan the lightening bolt code below. Watch the videos to learn more about drought monitoring, and select the 'make it rain' button to experience AR rain and snow on your phone or tablet.
Download Zappar app: https://www.zappar.com/getzappar/
Other Useful Links
Learn more about drought monitoring: www.spottyrain.org/drought monitor.html
Access the rain gauge installation guide: https://www.flipsnack.com/ayoibukun/librarian-booklet-on-arrg.html
Download the Rain Gauge Display sticker: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nhjSpHO_u53UeiIAgorDibGg4i2HMppR
More about CoCoRaHS Observer Stations
Sign-up your backyard rain gauge: https://www.cocorahs.org/application.aspx
View volunteer condition monitoring maps: https://www.cocorahs.org/Maps/conditionmonitoring/
Purchase a rain gauge: https://www.cocorahs.org/Content.aspx?page=store
Learn more about drought monitoring: www.spottyrain.org/drought monitor.html
Access the rain gauge installation guide: https://www.flipsnack.com/ayoibukun/librarian-booklet-on-arrg.html
Download the Rain Gauge Display sticker: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nhjSpHO_u53UeiIAgorDibGg4i2HMppR
More about CoCoRaHS Observer Stations
Sign-up your backyard rain gauge: https://www.cocorahs.org/application.aspx
View volunteer condition monitoring maps: https://www.cocorahs.org/Maps/conditionmonitoring/
Purchase a rain gauge: https://www.cocorahs.org/Content.aspx?page=store
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.
Try it out! BYE Video and Logbook
Watch the BYE Weather video with Heath, our feature librarian:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKOJFD50goM
Using the Zappar app, scan the lightening bolt code on the BYE Weather logbook and view a 3D model of the water cycle:
https://www.seolibraries.com/sites/default/files/2021-04/Watching%20The%20Weather.pdf
Try it out! BYE Video and Logbook
Watch the BYE Weather video with Heath, our feature librarian:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKOJFD50goM
Using the Zappar app, scan the lightening bolt code on the BYE Weather logbook and view a 3D model of the water cycle:
https://www.seolibraries.com/sites/default/files/2021-04/Watching%20The%20Weather.pdf
Access the entire SEOLS Backyard Explorers Program: https://www.seolibraries.com/citizen-science
More about Drought Monitoring
View the current US Drought Monitor map: https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/
Submit your drought condition monitoring observer reports:
https://droughtimpacts.unl.edu/Tools/ConditionMonitoringObservations.aspx
More about Drought Monitoring
View the current US Drought Monitor map: https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/
Submit your drought condition monitoring observer reports:
https://droughtimpacts.unl.edu/Tools/ConditionMonitoringObservations.aspx
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.
Try it out! Explore the Expo Hall
Use your phone, tablet, or computer to access the VCSE on Mozilla Hubs.
Navigate to the left to check out the BYE insect and leaves rooms.
Navigate to the right to check out the weather and water rooms hosted by CoCoRaHS, the National Drought Mitigation Center, and other citizen science programs.
Explore the VCSE in Mozilla Hubs: https://hubs.mozilla.com/c4BXbbV/main-hall
Tips for Navigating in Mozilla Hubs: http://www.spottyrain.org/how-to-navigate-the-mozilla-hub.html
Try it out! Explore the Expo Hall
Use your phone, tablet, or computer to access the VCSE on Mozilla Hubs.
Navigate to the left to check out the BYE insect and leaves rooms.
Navigate to the right to check out the weather and water rooms hosted by CoCoRaHS, the National Drought Mitigation Center, and other citizen science programs.
Explore the VCSE in Mozilla Hubs: https://hubs.mozilla.com/c4BXbbV/main-hall
Tips for Navigating in Mozilla Hubs: http://www.spottyrain.org/how-to-navigate-the-mozilla-hub.html
More about VCSE in April
Access library display materials for VCSE: http://www.spottyrain.org/for-libraries.html
Register your group for events in April for Citizen Science month: http://www.spottyrain.org/citsciexpo.html
Access library display materials for VCSE: http://www.spottyrain.org/for-libraries.html
Register your group for events in April for Citizen Science month: http://www.spottyrain.org/citsciexpo.html