Fairmont State University GeoSavvy Guide: Mapathons

Where to Find Projects

Check out our Fairmont State University curated list of projects that students have evaluated for usability, clear directions, and fun! 

2023: https://scistarter.org/dashboard/lists

2024: TBA 

Citizen Science Project Repositories

• SciStarter.org holds Citizen Science Month and events every day 
• America250 Citizen Science 

  America250 is a multiyear effort to commemorate the 250th anniversary, of the United States.

• CitizenScience.gov

  • Federal Citizen Science projects 

• CitSci.org

  • Citizen Science Project Repository with training

• Katherine Johnson IV&V Facility Education Center 

  Fairmont State University’s College of Science and Technology and NASA’s The Katherine Johnson Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) Facility Education Resource Center (ERC) GLOBE OBSERVER PROGRAM

• MapGive                                                                                                                                                                                              Crowdsourcing Map Data for Humanitarian Response and Preparedness

• National Geographic Citizen Science 

  Learn about how you can participate in citizen science projects.

• WV DNR 

  Opportunities are offered for hunters, anglers and the general public to participate in surveys and scientific data collection.

• CitizenScience.org 

  Home of The Citizen Science Association

To participate:

1. Visit the Citizen Science websites on the Fairmont State University Libguide to find your project; all resources you need are included in the links.* 

2. If you are Fairmont State University student, submit proof of your project to Dr. MacLennan to receive a certificate of participation on the form. 

3. Watch as your contribution is used to change the world! 

*Please do not break any bones or any laws to complete your projects. Always be aware of your surroundings and of anything you download to your device.

Find your project at one of the official sites below in our Citizen Science Resources. 

Know of a project collecting spatial data by, about, or on Fairmont State University campus? 

Contact us at: bmaclennan2@fairmontstate.edu 

Use the header: Citizen Science 

EXAMPLE 

Mapathon Activity Sheet

 The intent of this project is for students to get hands-on experience, contribute to Geographic Knowledge, and evaluate potential projects for other users.

Search for and choose a Citizen Science or participatory geography project that is spatial or contributes to spatial data in some part of its project, analysis, or impact.

You can find Participatory Geography/Citizen Science projects on the Fairmont State University Geography LibGuide: 

If you aren’t sure of a topic, type in "Citizen Science" + your topic or area of interest. 

Name of Project You Participated in:                            Name of Organization involved:

Source Information for Project (URL, etc.)  

Proof of Participation: Attach proof of participation such as a screenshot, email, etc.    

1. Briefly describe what interested you in participating in a particular participatory or citizen science project? 

For example, did you choose a project because it relates to your field or hobby?

There is no right or wrong answer for this section. Did you choose it because of the time involved? If you chose a shorter project, that is an important part of Citizen Science project design.  

2. Briefly describe how the project you chose is spatial or geography: 

Some projects are immediately recognizable as spatial geography because they are about a region, use U.S. Census data or other spatial data you are learning about in the course. Others are contributing to spatial knowledge but you might have to explain the connection.

3. Briefly describe the purpose, mission, or goal of the project you chose?

4. Briefly describe the project itself:

It is helpful for others to understand what is involved in a project to evaluate if it fits their needs.

• What equipment did you need?
• Did you need to learn some things before participating?
• Does the website for your project offer tools and resources to learn these necessary components?
• How long did it take you to learn the steps, in order, that you needed to follow to complete your role in the project to the best of your ability?
• What type(s) of data you were collecting and how they will help society
• Were you able to finish the project? If not, what problems did you face?

5. Briefly reflect on your participatory experience. 

Do you think the project you chose was approachable, meaningful, effective? Why or why not?

What would you tell a friend or colleague about the project you chose?

 Congratulations! On your resume you can list:

• Completed Citizen Science Project [Include name etc.]
• Evaluated Citizen Science application for future users