VISITORS' UNDERSTANDING OF GEOTHERMAL FEATURES AND ASSOCIATED THERMOPHILIC MICROORGANISMS AT MIDWAY GEYSER BASIN, YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

This study investigates people's understanding of a recent scientific theory concerning the evolution of life based on thermophilic bacteria and Archaea found below the surface of the Earth and the relevant correct concepts, missing concepts and misunderstandings that people hold in relation to this new theory. Yellowstone National Park contains more of the geothermal features which provide the environment for these organisms than all the rest of the world combined. YNP is the site where the first organisms were identified, isolated and then cultivated for technological and biological applications. Researchers interviewed 200 visitors at YNP's Midway Geyser Basin concerning these geological features, the associated organisms, biological diversity, and the value of these ancient life forms.

This research study is based on the following educational principles found in each of three major domains: (1) personal domain: existing relevant understanding is the most important factor affecting new learning, (2) social domain: learning is considered to be a social process in which groups of people negotiate new meaning and understanding and (3) physical domain: the learners' engagement with physical experiences.

The following research questions were posed:

• What conceptions and values do people possess which are relevant to thermophilic microorganisms and their environment?

• How are park visitors' understandings, values and beliefs affected by their visit to Midway Geyser Basin?

Two interview strategies were designed to assess understanding. The first interview was conducted before visiting the site (pre-tour) and the second after the visitors had toured the Midway Geyser Basin (post-tour). In the pre-tour interviews, general introductory questions were asked about the geology of the area, biology of the microorganisms, diversity of life in thermal pools and the value of the area and associated life. An interpretive approach was used to analyze the interview data to help answer the overall research questions. The extensive interviews provided an in-depth picture of visitors understanding and experience at the geyser basin. In reporting the results, we attempt to derive the important themes and key ideas while portraying enough detail to allow some sense of the complexity of the work. Results will be discussed.