286-11 “Touch a fossil” – An innovative workshop to introduce paleontology and climate science education to elementary and middle school students.

Session: Balancing Tradition and Innovation: Evolving Geoscience Curricula for a Changing World, Part II

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Elementary and middle school students are experiencing a unique moment in time where they are experimenting with new technologies and spending much of their free time in front of screens. Some schools are now limiting screen time during school hours and offering innovative alternatives to enhance learning experiences, allowing students to explore their surroundings firsthand. Spanish schools are no strangers to this trend, and there is strong interest in incorporating science-based fun activities that not only teach students the basic elements of science but also their practical applications. The “touch a fossil” workshop was created in Granada, Spain, in 2023 as an initiative to introduce students to paleontology and its relevance to climate science. The four-hour workshop is designed to let children act as paleontologists for a day. Students are provided with a variety of fossils (ammonites, gastropods, trilobites, crinoids, etc.) and have the chance to handle these specimens, using their senses to learn about fossil preservation, weight, size differences, and symmetry. The workshop also features the observation of microfossils (foraminifera) using a travel microscope, along with visual aids showing their importance in understanding past climate events. Students receive a guide with fossil photographs, a geological time scale, and detailed descriptions. To promote critical thinking, students present their findings on fossil classification and hypothesize about the lifestyles and movements of ancient creatures. Over the past two years, these workshops have grown in popularity, with three additional schools joining the program last semester, indicating a rising interest in scientific outreach. This workshop offers more than a museum visit; it allows children to manipulate real fossil specimens and interact with their peers. Some funding from the Paleontological Society has been received to replace damaged fossils and acquire new materials for future workshops. This initiative aims to ignite a passion for paleontology among young learners and foster a deeper appreciation for the natural sciences, helping to cultivate informed future generations.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

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