Citizen+Science

Citizen Science

Please post your ideas for potential citizen science projects related to PCP-PIRE here:


 * **Fossils from the Gatun Formation, Panama**: Near Colon, Panama, some new neighborhoods are being built over fossil outcrops (see pictures bellow). A potential citizen science project for the PIRE could be to have the population of "San Judas" and "La Arbolada" neighborhoods tothe fossils from the Gatun Formation where they could also learn simple techniques of fossil collection an ﻿ d identification (Catalina Pimiento).




 * **Not sure if this is already being done there??? Inquiry-based and hands-on learning opportunities for youth:** PCP PIRE would be a great opportunity to get involved w/ local schools and provide a hands-on learning experience in paleontology, etc. A graduate student from PIRE, a Panama college student and a Panama science teacher (6-8th grade?) could all teach side-by-side/collaborate for a couple of science classes (similar to the SPICE model). The first two classes can be an in-lab course that teaches basic methods to paleontology. Then they would go out into the field to assist in the data collection. And/or PCP PIRE graduate students or undergrad could mentor kids (e.g., take them out to the field site, assist them in developing a research project, etc.). (Carson Phillips)