Why Do Scientists Study Biodiversity?
Biodiversity—the variety of life in a habitat or ecosystem—is a good indicator of how healthy an ecosystem is, which is why it is important for scientists to know about the different types of species living in a particular area. Studying biodiversity gives scientists and researchers a better understanding of the impacts of human activity and climate change on the ecosystem.
What's in the Kit?
- 1 8x32 binoculars and carrying case
- 1 Birds of Southern California pamphlet
- 1 clip-on lens kit
- 1 tweezer
- 1 mini GPS location finder
- 1 USB charging cord
- 1 instructions packet
- 1 sharpie
- 1 eraser
- 1 observation journal
- Safety rules
Relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Alignment
How To Help Scientists Collect Data With an Internet-Connected Smart Device
Step 1
Turn on the GPS tracker on your smart device for accurate location coordinates and elevation. Geospatial information is critical data for biodiversity research. You can also use Google Maps or download a free GPS-Map app for your iOS Apple or Android device.
Step 2
Download the iNaturalist app for Android or iOS Apple. Launch the app and follow the instructions on screen to create an account and sign in.
Step 3
Go to the iNaturalist video tutorials and watch the Adding an Observation on a Mobile Device video for step-by-step instructions on how to make and add observations using the iNaturalist app.
Step 4
Open the iNaturalist app and tap the camera icon to choose an observation method:
- Tap the Camera icon to take pictures of species of plants, animals, insects you observed.
- Tap the Photo Library to share an observation you already photographed and saved to the photo album on your smart device.
- Tap Record Sound to record the sound of the species you observed in your surroundings.
Step 5
To take pictures of small things like insects or flowers, use the clip-on macro lens in the kit from about an inch away. To take pictures of things far away, clip the zoom or telephoto lens onto your smart device.
Step 6
Open the iNaturalist app and click on the camera icon to take pictures of and submit your observations.
Useful Tip
If you prefer to submit your observation photo anonymously without creating an iNaturalist account, go to Observation Anonymous and select iNaturalist to access the observation form. Complete all fields on the form and select Submit.
Suggested Activity
Use the binoculars and the Birds of Southern California guide in the kit and see how many different species of native birds are in your neighborhood.
Step 7
Be sure to put all equipment, supplies, and instructions packet back into the bag and return the kit to the library so someone else can contribute.
- Don't have a smartphone or tablet? Follow these steps to participate in this project.