THE RAYMOND M. ALF MUSEUM AND THE WEBB SCHOOLS: A UNIQUE, RESEARCH-BASED HIGH SCHOOL GEOSCIENCE PROGRAM

The Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology is the only nationally accredited museum located on a high school campus (The Webb Schools) and is one of a few secondary educational institutions to offer paleontology as part of the standard curriculum. Student not only learn about paleontology through coursework, but also are active participants in scientific research. All Webb students are introduced to paleontology as ninth graders, through an evolutionary biology class. Upon completion, students are given the option to enroll in advanced paleontology classes taught by the Alf Museum curator and director with each class consisting of approximately 20 students per year. Throughout their coursework, students experience fieldwork, preparation, and curation; all of which culminate in students conducting original research projects with the goal of presentation at a scientific conference and/or a peer-reviewed publication. Webb students who wish to be active in the museum, but are unable enroll in paleontology classes, can volunteer in the museum after-school program. Consisting of about eight students per semester, student volunteers learn preparation techniques and museum curation skills, such as conservation or specimen digitization. Additionally, the Alf Museum and Webb Schools offer a summer program to middle school students interested in paleontology known as the Junior Scholars Program. Through this 10-day program (two sessions per summer), 20-25 middle school students are introduced to basic concepts of paleontology, geology, biology, and evolution in a hands-on museum environment. The goal of these programs is to provide students with an understanding for paleontology and the scientific process through direct experience.