The Library will be closed on Sunday, March 31, 2024, in observance of Easter

NeiSci - DIY Kits

Be a Neighborhood Scientist. Go solo and borrow one of our DIY kits from a participating library. Please call before visiting to confirm availability.


Participating Locations


DIY Science Kits


kids participating in a mosquito habitat class at the library

Mosquitoes are a problem! Contribute to the health of your community by finding and reporting potential mosquito breeding habitats around your home and neighborhood.

photo of the City of Los Angeles at night

Our city lights up at night, which is not good for the environment. Help scientists study the impact of “light pollution” on the climate, animal migration, our health, and more.


kids participating in a cloud identification class outside the library

Scientists study clouds to understand the earth’s weather and climate. Satellites see only the tops of clouds, so scientists need you to tell them what the clouds look like from underneath.

a kid participating in a biometry class outside the library

A healthy ecosystem has lots of different kinds of plants and animals. Share photos and information about the species living in your community with scientists around the world.


Monitoring air quality in your neighborhood identifies areas where pollution is a problem and helps researchers find solutions.

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Continue to monitor air quality in your neighborhood with a newer version of the AirBeam that can be utilized by both iOS and Android devices.


teens participating in a water transparency exercise by the LA River

Lots of different things affect water quality. Collect and share information on the pH, electrical conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and temperature of nearby rivers, ponds, and tap water to help scientists understand how climate change and water quality are linked.

teens participating in a urban heat island effect exercise by the Robertson Branch Library

The Urban Heat Island Effect (UHIE) is a phenomenon in which cities experience much warmer temperatures due to their high concentration of buildings, roads, and other developments. You will be collecting surface temperature, clouds, and tree height data for this NASA research.


Are you an educator?


  • Ask a librarian at a participating library how to bring these kits to your classroom.
  • Print the Neighborhood Science Toolkit. This kit includes sample library programs for kids and teens plus ideas, resources, and tips on offering Neighborhood Science activities in libraries, schools, and organizations.

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