SCIENCE BLOGGING AS A GATEWAY TO PALEONTOLOGY: EXPERIENCES FROM K-12 STUDENTS AND BEYOND

Paleontology is often touted as a gateway to scientific curiosity and passion, especially in young children. But in the realm of K-12 education, few avenues exist to help support students and educators in the desire to quench that curiosity.

How does the latest paleontology research reach students and educators with an interest in applying that research to broader public education? Here we present the results of a year-long high school research project in advanced placement biology, in which students assess the benefits of paleontology research in their pursuit of scientific curiosity. Through science blogging, students and educators alike can expand these experiences outside of a public education vacuum, and springboard the paleontology gateway outward to other students, educators, parents, and the general public. In doing so, students and educators not only gain valuable skills in science communication; they also reflect on their learning and teaching experiences, as a capstone to their research, and an effective way to encourage other learners across the globe.