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Basic Training

Citizen Science and Research Skills

This page contains numerous curriculum resources that may be used flexibly by Virginia Master Naturalist chapters and trainees to meet their learning needs.  These resources also are available to other volunteer programs and the public for their use, but please note that watching or reading these materials cannot substitute for enrolling in and completing a basic training course with a VMN chapter in order to become a Virginia Master Naturalist volunteer.

Thank you to the many people who contributed to the creation of these materials, including Alycia Crall (curriculum co-author), Sonny Bowers (BioBlitz video), Michael Hayslett (field journal reading), Priya Jaishanker (RareQuest video), Sara Focht (background reading), Donna Long (field journal reading and images), and the many VMN volunteers who provided feedback when we tested these materials. 

Eastern Screen Owl
Photo Credits: Eastern Screech Owl (Laura Mae, Tidewater chapter)

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the Virginia Master Naturalist basic training course, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the types of field studies (inventory-including BioBlitz, monitoring, and observational & experimental studies) that may be used to investigate populations, communities and ecosystems, and understand when and why these types of studies are used
  • Understand the process of science and how it informs natural resource management
  • Demonstrate basic field study skills, including observing, field journaling, following protocols, and data recording
  • Be familiar with the opportunities for citizen science aligned with the VMN program, with an emphasis on projects focused in Virginia
  • Use keys and field guides to identify organisms
  • Demonstrate basic map and GPS skills as they would apply to citizen science projects
  • Understand basic principles of scientific ethics citizen scientists should follow

Introductory Videos

What: Short videos to introduce volunteers to the topic of Citizen Science and Research Skills.

Possible uses:

  • Have trainees watch before class as preparation
  • Watch as part of class
  • Have trainees watch after class as review or supplementary material
  • Have existing members watch as a refresher on this topic

For an introduction to this topic: What is Citizen Science by the University of Minnesota Extension on YouTube.

For an example of citizen science with one of our VMN chapters: BioBlitz 2016 by Sonny Bowers with the Historic Rivers Chapter.

BioBlitz 2016 from Sonny Bowers on Vimeo. For another example of a previous Virginia Master  Naturalist citizen science project, RareQuest, watch below or at video.vt.edu.

Background Readings

Most Recommended Readings​
Supplemental Readings
Above and Beyond, for those seeking more in-depth information

Note that book publisher websites are provided, but often these books are available from other sources at varying prices.

Online Data Management Resources
  • iNaturalist:  This online tool and app combines the power of social media with nature observation.  It is the tool the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries is using for the WildlifeMapping project.  It is also a great tool for recording BioBlitz data; we recommend it for chapters undertaking biodiversity inventories.
  • CitSci.org: This online tool is an excellent resource for creating a data repository for monitoring and other citizen science projects.  VMN chapters developing a citizen science project can use CitSci.org to host data sheets for participants, allow for online data entry, and even data visualization.  CitSci.org is the tool used by the Virginia Vernal Pools project.
  • SciStarter: This site is an online clearinghouse of citizen science projects (not specific to natural resources nor Master Naturalists.)

Presentation Videos

What: A two-part set of online videos of PowerPoint presentations with narration by Michelle Prysby, Director of the Virginia Master Naturalist program.  Combined, they are approximately 25 minutes long.

Possible uses:

  • Have trainees watch before class as preparation
  • Watch as part of class, combined with hands-on activities
  • Have trainees watch after class as review
  • Share with instructor to give him/her an idea of the type of material to cover
  • Have trainees watch as a make-up for a missed class on the same topic
  • Have existing members watch as a refresher on this topic

User Notes: Please note that you can make the video full-screen and toggle the closed captioning on and off.  Please also note that these videos are intended to be used in conjunction with the handout provided below.  These videos are also available at video.vt.edu: Part 1 and Part 2.

Note for Basic Training Chairs and Course Instructors: 
Instructors and basic training chairs for VMN chapters may contact the state office for access to the full Powerpoint file and script. Both the Powerpoint and the script may be used and adapted for your courses. Please pay attention to the image license restrictions listed in the notes section for each slide in the Powerpoint file.

Part 1

Watch on Website

Part 2

Watch on Website

Presentation Handout

Activity Lesson Plans

What: Lesson plans for interactive activities on citizen science and research skills.

Possible uses: These activities can be used during class time to encourage trainees to apply the material they have learned and to break up lecture time with an interactive exercise.  The lesson plans are written so that they may be led by non-experts, including VMN volunteers.

Download File

Assessment Questions

What: A set of possible assessment questions on this topic for VMN trainees.

Possible uses: Incorporate these questions into written or practical assessments during the course.

Download File