VOLCANOES IN OUR BACKYARD: USING VOLCANOES ON OTHER WORLDS TO INTRODUCE LOCAL VOLCANOES TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC

The science of geology is frequently perceived by the non-geologist as difficult to understand; however, most non-geologists of all ages notice and appreciate geological landscapes, and they are fascinated by volcanoes. However, the general public may have no idea that their local landscape has been produced by volcanism. They think of active or recently active volcanoes in parks or monuments, not landscape features that are in their own backyard. Volcanic landforms on other planets can be used to teach about the local landscape, which is frequently perceived as less interesting because it is local.

With the abundant surface and high-resolution image data returned from the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) missions, and the Magellan Mission to Venus, an effective public educational program using the New Mexico analog connection to Mars/Venus volcanism has been created by the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. This program has been tested during the past few years by the following: a unique MER exhibit, a Mars-New Mexico hands-on visitor station presented by teen volunteers, public lecture series, adult classes and outreach presentations, teacher workshops, summer science camps for children, high school student research projects, family days, and local field-based programs. Under the name of “Planet New Mexico,” the Mars/Venus connection to New Mexico is being planned to include a large permanent exhibit, planetarium productions, and consortium programs for regional colleges and high schools.

Lessons learned from our test programs include: (1) emphasize the local New Mexico connection by promoting NM scientists working on planetary missions; (2) partner with other informal science education providers to present public programs and field trips; (3) create programs specifically linked to a highly publicized mission (MER) and present New Mexico features as analogs; (4) use the museum advantage in graphics/display expertise, flexibility in programming for a wide range of audiences, and family learning opportunities; and (5) involve elementary through high school classroom teachers who provide a bridge between informal and formal educational needs and help reach the community.