Fireflies Information for Kids: About this Project

Ready, Set, Glow!

Ready, Set, Glow! has its origins in NCM’s commitment to creating experiences that engage kids with the outdoors in fun and exciting ways. NCM Manager of Science Programs, Linda Coulombe, participated in a meeting hosted by the Museum of Science, Boston to discuss ways in which the National Children’s Museum could collaborate in the public dimension of an entomological research project led by Fitchburg State College and Tufts University. With the help of the Museum of Science, Boston, the research would result in a Citizen scientist project.

See the Museum of Science , Boston’s Firefly Watch Project website for more information about that initiative.

The participants recognized that the research and content about fireflies that the Museum of Science, Boston would present on its website would be great for young adults and grownups, but what about kids?  Children have always loved fireflies and would benefit greatly from being a part of this exciting project. That’s where the National Children’s Museum and Wild Aware comes in! 

Wild Aware is NCM’s core science approach that gives tools to children and adults to empower them to use their senses to begin to create a personal connection with nature.  Ready, Set, Glow! is one way NCM provides opportunities for kids to learn how to get outside, have fun, and learn through nature.  Collecting firefly data is easy, and citizen science empowers children to feel like they can be scientists and that the data they collect makes a difference. The point of this project is to engage kids in inquiry-based learning and stewardship of the environment, and above all, to have fun!

For more about fireflies and to sign-up for the Firefly Watch Project, visit the Museum of Science , Boston web site.  And don’t forget to download your special Official Firefly Watcher certificate on the Ready, Set, Glow! site once you’ve played the game and you’re ready to be a scientist!

Project Team:

Project Director
Mark Alexander Wright
Director of Partnerships, National Children’s Museum

Writer and Content Director
Linda Coulombe
Manager of Science Programs, National Children’s Museum

Design & Production:  Bean Creative Funktional Web Design

Acknowledgments

The National Children’s Museum wishes to acknowledge Don Salvatore, Science Educator at the Museum of Science, Boston (MOS, Boston), for his collaborative spirit and commitment to fostering a love of nature in children.  Through the Firefly Watch Project , Don and the team of scientists, technologists, and exhibit developers at MOS, Boston have contributed significantly to the public’s enjoyment of science.