DINOSAUR TREASURES IN OUR BACKYARDS: A MODEL FOR FOSTERING COMMUNITY PRIDE IN GEOLOGICAL AND PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES

Insatiable curiosity and a powerful desire to learn about the world around them make children instinctual lovers of science, particularly of the earth and natural sciences. Unfortunately, through lack of access to quality science instruction and programming, many children lose interest in science early on, believing it is not a realistic career path, “not for them” or is “too hard.” This problem is particularly acute in rural areas where, paradoxically, natural phenomena and opportunities to observe them abound.

In contrast, successful biological and ecological conservation initiatives often rely on accompanying programs that not only educate people about their resources, but also introduce, develop, and foster a strong sense of pride among local populations. We believe this proven model can be applied to non-biological subjects; particularly geological and paleontological resources and phenomena.

Dinosaur Treasures In Our Backyards is a multi-day, immersive, hands-on, and inquiry-based program offered free of charge to children ages 6 through 13 in rural Carbon County, Montana. The program utilizes dinosaurs as an avenue to introduce many other disciplines, including geology, paleo- and modern ecology and ethology. It also focuses on the paleontology and geology of the surrounding region - particularly the northern Bighorn Basin - including the prominent role their home region has played in the history of those sciences. The program attempts to foster local pride in and stewardship of these resources, creating critically important local young ambassadors who promote the public understanding of science within their own communities. In addition, the program provides these same children with the opportunity to once again fall in love with science, envision themselves as scientists, and consider future careers in the STEM fields.