A movement that is currently sweeping the nation is the concept of the "citizen scientist." Citizen scientists are members of the public who volunteer to help collect observational data and minor measurements regarding the environment. This kind of scientific research requires minimal to no specific scientific training at all. The only necessary contribution that citizen scientists must make is a few hours of their time.

People who enjoy watching the annual bird migrations throughout their area may not have any formal scientific training, but when they are asked to fill out a bird count card with what birds they have seen and how many, they are contributing to scientific research. These ordinary citizens have become involved in more than just their every day routines; they have become a part of on-going scientific research that began with only their passion for birds.

The benefits of citizen science include:

• 1) Getting the public involved in on-going research projects
• 2) Helping professional scientists collect more data
• 3) Presenting scientific research to everyday citizens in a manner that can be understood by someone who might not have a scientific background
• 4) It makes people aware of environmental issues
• 5) Encouraging people to get outside

There is citizen scientist project going on in the Ornithology Department at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. Researchers at Cornell have enlisted citizen scientists to observe nest boxes in the spring and send in their observations to the lab at Cornell. These citizen scientists are helping researchers compile data that relates to climate change and bird breeding patterns. This is a great example of what the public is capable of contributing to scientific research.