T251 Innovations in Using Fossil Collections for Deep Time Education and Outreach (Posters)

Wednesday, 7 November 2018
9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Halls J-K

USING 3-D PRINTS IN A FOSSIL IDENTIFICATION EXERCISE TO PROMOTE UNDERSTANDING OF PALEONTOLOGICAL COLLECTIONS

Paper number: T251-2
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Authors

Abstract

Physical specimens are essential to observation-based learning and can help to inspire interest in natural science careers. Unfortunately, high-quality specimens can be rare and are often difficult or expensive for the public to acquire. For the past 2 years, the Indiana Geological and Water Survey (IGWS) has used 3-D prints of ideal (i.e., unbroken, locally abundant, and common) fossil specimens from the Indiana University Paleontology Collection and IGWS teaching collection to engage educators, K-12 students, and fossil enthusiasts in a hands-on fossil identification activity. Using the latest in 3-D digitization technology, we created 3-D prints of twelve of the most common Paleozoic- and Pleistocene-age fossils in Indiana for use in educational programs. The 3-D prints are durable, easy to print, and available to anyone with an interest in learning about Indiana’s paleontological history. To complement the fossil identification activity, we discuss the importance of natural history collections and describe how scientific institutions catalog and identify fossil specimens. These efforts have enhanced public access to Indiana University’s fossil specimens and fostered meaningful dialogue about the importance of natural history collections for education and scientific research efforts.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 50, No. 6

doi: 10.1130/abs/2018AM-323585

© Copyright 2018 The Geological Society of America (GSA), all rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to the author(s) of this abstract to reproduce and distribute it freely, for noncommercial purposes. Permission is hereby granted to any individual scientist to download a single copy of this electronic file and reproduce up to 20 paper copies for noncommercial purposes advancing science and education, including classroom use, providing all reproductions include the complete content shown here, including the author information. All other forms of reproduction and/or transmittal are prohibited without written permission from GSA Copyright Permissions.