Do Science With the World

This was a 2012 pilot program of The Reach Center. It is no longer available. To explore current citizen science, environmental, and other STEM opportunities, contact us to talk with a STEM Guide or search our STEM Resource Bank.

Do you like exploring?

Want to make a difference in the world?

Ever wonder what scientists find really cool?

Explore your world and contribute to what we know about nature as a citizen scientist in this first year-long program of the Reach Center, an initiative of the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance (MMSA) in collaboration with the Maine School of Science and Mathematics (MSSM). The Reach Center’s Do Science With the World program will bring a group of students together to learn and do science and math outside of school.

To participate in this program this year, you must be in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade in 2012-2013, live or go to school in Washington or Hancock County, Maine, and commit to actively participate all year in this intensive learning experience, starting with summer camp at the Maine School of Science and Mathematics (see full list of requirements on the next page).

What Is Do Science With the World?

  • Interesting and fun activities and workshops at summer camp and at two weekend meetings.
  • A community of peers to team up with on projects.
  • Students in the program help decide what you do—you have a say in what you want to explore.
  • An opportunity to learn about citizen science and participate in real science projects.
  • Educators and scientists who will present information and answer your questions.
  • Online discussions and mini-courses offered on topics such as data analysis and visualization, ecology, and environmental effects of your chosen interest (such as invasive species).
  • Hands-on activities, mentorships, and participation in at least one citizen science project.
  • Support to complete a project that you design and develop with other members.
  • Free: If you qualify for the MSSM camp financial aid, the Reach Center will cover the entire cost of the camp fee ($600). For all participating students (whether you get camp financial aid or not), all materials and equipment, virtual courses, travel, and lodging and food at in-person meetings are completely free.

How It Works

All of these are required to participate:

  • One week this summer at the MSSM summer camp (see the schedule at mssm.org), and attend meetings during Activity 1 time for Reach Center program planning
  • One weekend this fall (late September or October)
  • One weekend next spring
  • A final project meeting next spring that will depend on what you choose as your project
  • A couple hours most weeks online or on your own during the school year
  • Participation in documenting your progress online throughout the year

All weekend in-person events will be located in the Washington/Hancock County area, and will be scheduled with participants.

What Is Citizen Science?

It’s ordinary people—including kids—working with scientists to explore interesting phenomena that change. Check out some citizen science projects online that study the weather (wxqa.com and cocorahs.org), galaxies (science.nasa.gov/citizen-scientists), squirrels (projectsquirrel.org), sunflowers and bees (greatsunflower.org), invasive species (vitalsignsme.org), and even gravestones (goearthtrek.com/Gravestones/Gravestones.html). There are many more too!

How to Get Started

This program starts with the summer science camp at the Maine School of Science and Mathematics to develop some scientific ideas and launch your year-long adventure. Currently we have a reserved slot in week 4  for a girl now in grade 6 or 7. You can choose any mini-courses to attend at the camp. There will be brief meetings during the camp week that all Do Science With the World participants need to attend to plan the citizen science program.

The online application is closed.