Kits

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Citizen Science

What is Citizen Science? Citizen science enables people from all walks of life to advance scientific research. Citizen scientists typically are not professional scientists. Rather, they are curious or concerned people who collaborate with professional scientists in ways that advance scientific research on topics they care about.  Learn more...
Interested?  We have created two kits containing all the materials you'll need to get started. Inquire at the circulation desk to borrow one. Kits may be borrowed by cardholders age 18 and over.

Exploring Biodiversity introduces participants to the iNaturalist app and includes a clip-on lens that expands the photo capabilities of a smartphone. A pair of binoculars and a Community Field Book help support nature exploration and encourage participants to record notes and observations about the natural world around them. Data submitted via the app contributes to a living record of life on Earth that scientists and land managers can use to monitor changes in biodiversity, while also providing a helpful database that anyone can use to identify plants and animals. This project is appropriate for adults or children with the help of an adult.

Observing Pollinators
​This kit introduces participants to The Great Sunflower Project and includes binoculars and a stopwatch to better observe pollinators in the community. Pollinators are animals including birds, butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and more that assist plants in their reproductive cycles and are critical to the world’s food supply. In recent years their populations have suffered severe declines, especially among honeybee colonies. Volunteers will help scientists understand and respond to changes in pollinator populations and the types of flowering plants that pollinators prefer by observing any flowering plant for at least five minutes, counting and identifying the pollinators that visit the plant, then logging data online.  This project is appropriate for adults or children with the help of an adult.

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Memory Kits

Aimed at people with Alzheimer's and dementia as well as their caregivers, Memory Kits feature seven themed kits based around hobbies and interests they may have had earlier in life and assembles several different low-frustration activities to allow them to reminisce about the past. Additionally, each kit features a different book for their caregiver to read, offering advice, knowledge and support for those taking on the task of caring for someone who can no longer care for themselves. Call us at the information desk at Main at (716)286-4881 for more information or ask at the Circulation desk to check one out!

Kit Themes
Click on a title to view its description in the catalog.
In the Garden
Cooking and Baking
Music and Movies
Tools and Woodworking
Dogs
Cats
Travel

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