DENVER – In a year filled with challenges and uncertainties, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science's Scientists in Action (SIA) program shone as a beacon of inspiration for thousands of students across the United States, Mexico, and Canada in 2023. SIA's mission is to bridge the gap between scientists and students, dispelling stereotypes and showcasing the diverse world of scientific research and careers.
Scientists in Action connects students and teachers directly with scientists during a live, interactive broadcast from field sites or behind-the-scenes research labs. During these free, 45-minute Q&A sessions, scientists share new discoveries, demystify the scientific process, answer student questions, and open a window into science careers.
...I know the kids were really loving it...
"Great presentation. It was great to have the opportunity to ask so many questions, too. I know the kids were really loving it since there was not a sound in here as they listened. You all did so well bringing out the ideas further and reinforcing concepts for our age audience. Nice job all around," said Polaris Expeditionary Learning School, Poudre School District educator Tom Noel.
Scientists in Action is recommended for grades 4-12, but all ages are welcome. The virtual presentations are free each month and are 45 minutes long.
Scientists in Action 2023 program at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science (Photo/Kate Neff)
In 2023, SIA achieved remarkable milestones and left a lasting impact on students' lives, providing students with the opportunity to connect with scientists through virtual sessions, such as the following:
- 38 Individual Broadcast Sessions: These sessions covered a wide range of scientific topics and career paths, bringing students closer to the world of science.
- Approximately 14,000 Students Reached: SIA sessions reached students in 673 classrooms across 26 different states in the U.S., as well as students in Mexico and Canada, fostering a global perspective on science.
- Collaborations: SIA collaborated with scientists from the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and with several partners, such as Boise State University, Utah State University, the National Science Foundation Ice Core Facility, the Jane Goodall Institute/Roots and Shoots, Denver Zoo, Bluff Lake Nature Center & Jefferson County Open Space, Rocky Mountain National Park & the National Park Service, Conservation Through Public Health and the University of Colorado.
“Our team here at DMNS believes that every student has the right and the potential to engage with nature and science in whatever way is meaningful to them...
...We work hard to create safe, accessible spaces where students can see themselves as curious, capable science thinkers. This program makes that magic happen, and it is an absolute joy to watch, it is why we do what we do," said Maria Mazin Perez Sandi, Director of Experiences & Partnerships at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
Looking into an exciting 2024!
Some of the Scientists in Action Team with astronauts Jessica Watkins and Kjell Lindgren at DMNS (Photo/Maria Mazin)
SIA is gearing up for more exciting YouTube broadcasts in 2024, including a "Virtual Voyage Through the Universe" on January 18th, "Super Sauropods, Fantastic Fossils" on February 22nd, "Lucy in the Sky With Asteroids" on March 7th, a Grand Canyon-themed session in April, and "Bygone Bugs & Prehistoric Flowers" on May 9th.
Please check back with us via our YouTube Channel under "Scientists in Action."
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science's Scientists in Action program continues to inspire and educate the next generation of scientists, breaking down barriers and making science accessible to all. With the impressive success of 2023, it promises even greater achievements in the future.
Watch Our 2023 Broadcasts:
The 2023 SIA lineup included a diverse array of topics and speakers, all accessible through YouTube recordings. Click each topic to watch the video:
- Virtual Voyage Through the Universe with KaChun Yu from DMNS.
- Cambrian Explosion and Life in an Ocean presented by Hannah Cothren (Utah State University) and Thomas Farrell (Boise State University).
- Climate History, According to Ice with Richard Nunn from the NSF Ice Core Facility.
- A Conversation with Dr. Jane Goodall, presented by Roots and Shoots and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, featuring Jane Goodall herself. [Video not uploaded to The Jane Goodall Institute's privacy policies.]
- An Ode to Toads by Julie Krajewski and Derek Cossaboon from Denver Zoo.
- Visualizing Animal Acoustics with Erickson Smith (Jefferson County Open Space) and Tess Robeson (Bluff Lake Nature Center).
- Forests, Fire, and Times That Are Drier with Haley Stapleton from the National Park Service & Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Walking With Gorillas featuring Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka from Conservation Through Public Health.
- The Anthropology of Death with Erin Baxter from DMNS.
- T.rex to Turkey - Two sessions with Emily Lessner, Holger Petermann, and Garth Spellman from DMNS.
- How Our Brains Learn with Melanie Peffer from the University of Colorado & Biology Everywhere.
What to Expect:
Behind-the-scenes at the Boise State University Isotope Geology Laboratory (Photo/Kate Neff)
During this free Q&A program, multiple classrooms from across the continent connect at once in webinar format. A select number of classrooms will be invited to ask questions as on-camera panelists. All other classrooms will be able to ask questions via an open chat and participate in interactive polls. Student questions drive a majority of the program content.
Equipment Requirements
Any computer or smart device connected to the internet. The Museum will provide the link upon registration and instructions to use the free Zoom Video Conferencing Software. A webcam with microphone access is mandatory for on-camera classrooms. A projector and external speakers are recommended for your classroom setup.1:1 classrooms, all-remote, and hybrid groups are also welcome to participate.
Matthew Kalhoff oversees AV tech at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge (Photo/Kate Neff)
For more information, please visit https://www.dmns.org/learn/virtual-experiences/scientists-in-action/
Questions? Email us at [email protected].
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We proudly recognize our DONORS for their generous support of the Museum and its education programs.
Richard Nunn shows holds an ice core at the National Science Foundation Ice Core Facility (Photo/Kate Neff)