Great Sunflower Project

Background: Help identify where pollinators are declining and how we can help improve their habitats. We need pollinators. They help produce more than one-third of our food!

Age group: All ages, children 13 and under will need an adult to help submit data.

Event timing and location: 1 hour, including prep time; Outdoors near a flowering plant, or indoors by a window with a clear view of one.

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Preparation:

1. Review the project’s instructions on SciStarter: https://scistarter.org/Affiliates/great-sunflower-project
2. Gather optional materials*
1. Stopwatch
2. Binoculars
3. Supplemental educational worksheets and coloring sheets linked to from project page
4. Bee Observation Cards or Local Field Guides
5. Seeds from Pollinating Plants

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*These materials are associated with the Observing Pollinators Kit. Learn more at SciStarter.org/library-build-a-kit.

Set the Stage

• Find a flowering plant to observe.
• Count pollinators that visit that plant within a specific time-period (ex. 5 min).
• Remember, seeing no pollinators is also a data point!

Collect Data

• Discuss what you observed as a group.
• Add data* on https://scistarter.org/Affiliates/great-sunflower-project.
• Decide what you’re going to do next, like plant more pollinating plants!

* If your participants are under the age of 13, you may need to gather and submit their data.

Take Action

Program Description

• Introduce the concept of citizen science using Foundations of Citizen Science facilitator slides and guide.
• Have participants create accounts on SciStarter.org.
• Discuss the importance of pollinators using the educational materials, printable coloring sheets and worksheets.
• Review the observation and data collection protocols. Allow time for questions.
• Practice using optional binoculars and a stopwatch.