STEMCAP

At DSI/Gemstone they have been working with the University of Utah STEMCAP to learn about Paleontology and Biodiversity loss.

Carrie Levitt-Bussian explained to students what a paleontologist does. She shared that her favorite part of her job is the fieldwork. In the field she uses jackhammers and concrete saws. She also gave them a virtual tour of the Natural History Museum of Utah which the students enjoyed seeing the current fossils being studied in the lab.

Students learned what “environmental grand challenges” are and the relationship of biodiversity loss to other grand challenges. Students saw the importance of protecting biodiversity. Austin Green taught students how citizen scientists play a role in helping to monitor biodiversity in Utah. He discussed with students the impact the population growth has had on animal habitats and ecosystems. They talked about that when roads are built through canyons, the birds will not fly across the road. This can have a negativly affect the biodiversity of the birds. He showed them the bridge that was made to help other animals safely cross Interstate 80 highway. The bridges don’t help the birds, and is not a perfect solution, but is a step in the right direction.

Students made thaumatrope artwork. This is where you draw on both sides of a circle that is glued to a stick and roll it in between your hands, when it spins a new picture appears.