Teaching with Trilobites: E-Learning resources to enhance student learning at the Tromsø University Museum, UiT Arctic University of Norway

• As libraries of Earth history, museums are essential providers of object-based learning and critical in encouraging students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). With shrinking budgets, museums face tremendous challenges in finding novel ways to share scientific processes,practices and discoveries with diverse audiences. Museum education programs that can creatively utiliz etheir exhibits attract more student visitors and facilitate deeper learning. University museums are small and often disadvantaged by space and funding issues; however, they have the unique advantage of close associations with active researchers. New digital teaching resources were developed for the TellUs exhibit at the Tromsø University Museum, Tromsø, Norway. TellUs (Latin for Earth) is a permanent exhibit focusing on Earth history and the evolution of life recorded in the local geology of northern Norway. The e-learning module called Teaching with Trilobites uses early Cambrian trilobite and trace fossil discoveries, made by the Digermulen Early Life Research Group, to showcase basic palaeontological concepts. A series of inquirybased lessons were developed in open source and adaptive learning platforms with integrated mediaincluding spherical panoramas, soundscapes, videos and 3D objects. Students investigate remote field sites, make observations, develop and test hypotheses on how specific fossils are related. Engaging videos illustrate concepts including the formation of fossils, trilobite morphology and mode of life, and introduce virtual scientists (guides) working in animated museum spaces. The adaptive learning platform provides customized feedback to students based on their individual learning pathway. As part of the module, students can experience audio expeditions and explore immersive soundscapes of palaeontologists at workin the field. When describing a place, sound is often overlooked, but it is a powerful way to connect withnatural environments and gives a strong ”sense of place”. The module is aligned to the Norwegian sciencecurriculum, which emphasizes the importance of understanding both the content and the nature ofscience. Teaching with Trilobites will help teachers and students connect with the TellUs exhibit by offering engaging online lessons that build digital and STEM skills.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Geovetenskap och miljövetenskap -- Annan geovetenskap och miljövetenskap (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Earth and Related Environmental Sciences -- Other Earth and Related Environmental Sciences (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Digermulen peninsula

Cambrian

trilobites

teaching

Earth Science with specialization in Historical Geology and Palaeontology

Geovetenskap med inriktning mot historisk geologi och paleontologi

Earth Science with specialization in Historical Geology and Palaeontology

Geovetenskap med inriktning mot historisk geologi och paleontologi

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

kon (subject category)