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

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.