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The Intersection

Snowed In? Contribute to Science!

By Sheril Kirshenbaum | January 28, 2011 12:50 pm

Guest Post by Darlene Cavalier

As record levels of snow blanket much of the United States this year, ScienceForCitizens.net is collaborating with an important climate research project at the University of Waterloo called Snow Tweets. We’re pleased that this is the first of many scientific projects that you’ll be able to do on ScienceforCitizens.net.

To help researchers track climate change, we’re requesting that you find a ruler, put on a warm coat, go outside, and measure the depth of snow wherever you happen to be. And then report the depth to us right here. That’s all there is to it! You’re simple action will help the planet. Your data will advance climate science, and you’ll get to see your depth report appear on our world map of snow tweets.

This project is part of the Changing Planet series on NBC: a collaboration between the National Science Foundation, NBC News, Discover Magazine and ScienceforCitizens.net.

Learn more about Changing Planet!

CATEGORIZED UNDER: Culture, Education

Comments (13)

Links to this Post

=== popurls.com === popular today | January 31, 2011
As Expected, Not Viral Video About Snow Does Not Go Viral | JohnOhab.com | January 31, 2011
60" And Counting (windchill advisory in effect) – Minneapolis Star Tribune (blog) | SabDesi - entertainment | February 1, 2011

Keli

Love the video! I think the woman from Pine Street needs to invest in a Yard stick to measure the snow in front of her house:).

January 28, 2011 at 5:42 pm
Bart

Fun video! Some of those folks from non-snowy states could be a little less smug about it, though…

😛

/b

January 28, 2011 at 6:32 pm
Dan

The video is actually pretty hilarious…and informative.

January 28, 2011 at 6:45 pm
John

Thanks Bart! You know, it really doesn’t get much better than hanging out in the snow and contributing to science…except, of course, enjoying a comfortable temperature and contributing to science.

Looking forward to all those snow measurements!

John

January 28, 2011 at 6:57 pm
darlene

Back in 1996, we got SLAMMED by a snowstorm here in Philly. Something like 30″! That was awesome but this one is more striking to me because of the ferocity of the wind, lightening, and snow. I’ve never seen anything like this. Accumulation here on my property was 15.02 inches. So…what’s in your yard?

January 28, 2011 at 7:14 pm
Marygrace

This is an approach to science that sincerely increases my interest in science. Creative, fun and engaging!

January 28, 2011 at 10:08 pm
JT Lewis

(Ski) Hats off to our intrepid reporters: I love this video! It demonstrates science anyone can do—well, anyone who likes winter. (BBBrrrrr) Now when you are looking for a citizen scientist to measure the depth of cocoa in my cup…give me a holler.

January 29, 2011 at 7:39 am
VemiHemi

OK dude, now thats what I am talking about. Wow.

http://www.privacy-tools.au.tc

January 31, 2011 at 10:29 am
Grammar Police

Not much faith in scientists who don’t know the difference between your and you’re.

January 31, 2011 at 10:38 am
Beermatman

This has to a joke surely?
It has to be the most unreliable and stupid survey I’ve ever heard of!
Be a lot more accurate if they used Beermats from here. http://www.beermatsadvertising.com
Beermatman

January 31, 2011 at 11:30 am

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About Sheril Kirshenbaum

Sheril Kirshenbaum is a research scientist with the Webber Energy Group at the University of Texas at Austin's Center for International Energy and Environmental Policy where she works on projects to enhance public understanding of energy issues as they relate to food, oceans, and culture. She is involved in conservation initiatives across levels of government, working to improve communication between scientists, policymakers, and the public. Sheril is the author of The Science of Kissing, which explores one of humanity's fondest pastimes. She also co-authored Unscientific America: How Scientific Illiteracy Threatens Our Future with Chris Mooney, chosen by Library Journal as one of the Best Sci-Tech Books of 2009 and named by President Obama's science advisor John Holdren as his top recommended read. Sheril contributes to popular publications including Newsweek, The Washington Post, Discover Magazine, and The Nation, frequently covering topics that bridge science and society from climate change to genetically modified foods. Her writing is featured in the anthology The Best American Science Writing 2010. In 2006 Sheril served as a legislative Knauss science fellow on Capitol Hill with Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) where she was involved in energy, climate, and ocean policy. She also has experience working on pop radio and her work has been published in Science, Fisheries Bulletin, Oecologia, and Issues in Science and Technology. In 2007, she helped to found Science Debate; an initiative encouraging candidates to debate science research and innovation issues on the campaign trail. Previously, Sheril was a research associate at Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment and has served as a Fellow with the Center for Biodiversity and Conservation at the American Museum of Natural History and as a Howard Hughes Research Fellow. She has contributed reports to The Nature Conservancy and provided assistance on international protected area projects. Sheril serves as a science advisor to NPR's Science Friday and its nonprofit partner, Science Friday Initiative. She also serves on the program committee for the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). She speaks regularly around the country to audiences at universities, federal agencies, and museums and has been a guest on such programs as The Today Show and The Daily Rundown on MSNBC. Sheril is a graduate of Tufts University and holds two masters of science degrees in marine biology and marine policy from the University of Maine. She co-hosts The Intersection on Discover blogs with Chris Mooney and has contributed to DeSmogBlog, Talking Science, Wired Science and Seed. She was born in Suffern, New York and is also a musician. Sheril lives in Austin, Texas with her husband David Lowry. Interested in booking Sheril Kirshenbaum to speak at your next event? Contact Hachette Speakers Bureau 866.376.6591 info@hachettespeakersbureau.com For more information, visit her website or email Sheril at srkirshenbaum@yahoo.com.