ETHICS EDUCATION FOR PALEONTOLOGY IN A HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Professional ethics are key to a functioning scientific community, yet education on this topic is highly variable in depth, breadth, and quality. As a result, many paleontologists have never had formal education about ethics and professional conduct beyond “don’t poach fossils.” However, these topics should be discussed early and often within scientific training. Through its paleontology classes for high school students, the Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology at The Webb Schools has piloted formal classroom discussions about professional ethics and conduct within its science coursework. All students have a ninth grade field trip to collect fossils, where they are introduced to outdoor ethics (e.g.,“Leave No Trace” principles) and topics around ethical collection of fossils. Tenth graders can take an optional set of electives in paleontology and museum research, where class sessions across multiple units directly address professional conduct and ethics. Some of this is done through examination of case studies, around topics such as fossil ownership and cultural patrimony, fossil specimen acquisition and associated laws, plagiarism, academic bullying, and other forms of professional misconduct. These case studies are drawn directly from published news articles and opinion pieces. Students are asked to identify the ethical problems, consider why particular actions might be harmful (e.g., to careers, trust in science and scientists, fostering inclusion, etc.), and discuss what they would do in that situation and why. Additionally, students study codes of conduct and ethical guidelines for professional societies, which opens up discussion about ethics/conduct priorities. These are intended to 1) prepare students to identify and respond to situations that may arise during their education and careers; 2) help students see the relevance and importance of professional ethics within the sciences; and 3) complement discussions in classes across the curriculum (e.g., in other science courses, in the humanities, and elsewhere).