These DIY Science Projects Let You Help Real-World Research

At-home science projects can teach you how to build the research tools to participate in citizen science and solve problems.

Volunteers from the Green Vigil Foundation performing water quality testing.Credit: Courtesy, EarthEcho International

Citizen Science Salon is a partnership between Discover and SciStarter.org.

You’re a doer. Nothing can stop you. Not even a lack of access to the specialized, low-cost tools needed to fully engage in citizen science. Below, we present ways you can build the tools and kits to help scientists answer pressing questions.

So roll up those sleeves to take on these DIY challenges at home — everything from inkjet printers MacGyvered into bio-printers, to bowls of flour and water transformed into yummy loaves of sourdough bread to help study microbes.

Take Part: Get Involved in Citizen Science Projects at SciStarter.org.

(Credit: CC BY-SA BioCurious)

CC BY-SA BioCurious

BioPrinting is like 3-D printing, but with squishier ingredients! Our friends at BioCurious will show you how to build your own bio-printer with parts from old inkjet printers and CD players and get you started with some simple projects and experiments. Get started ...