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Tomorrow’s Scientists Today

May 19, 2020

By Aaron DeLonay

August 31, 2018

 

A critical part of a scientist’s job is to share what they learn with stakeholders and the general public.  Sharing knowledge and expertise increases awareness and helps to educate the public about issues that affect the management of the Missouri River and the species that live there.  Scientists from the Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project participate in numerous outreach and education events throughout the year, but one of the most exciting events is the “Missouri River Days” program sponsored by Missouri River Relief (https://www.riverrelief.org/) in cooperation with Columbia (Missouri) Public Schools.  During the last week in August, more than 250 4th grade students left their classrooms to investigate the Missouri River.  Participating scientists, river experts, and local artists from Missouri River Relief, Universities, and State and Federal Agencies met busloads of enthusiastic students on the banks of the Missouri River at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area near Columbia, Missouri.  Students got the chance to talk to scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Missouri Department of Conservation about the tools they use to study the river and fish that live in it.  They also got the chance to take a ride on the river in boats similar to those used by scientists.  Students also spent time investigating plant communities along the river and using watercolors to translate their scientific experience on the river into art in much the same way explorers Lewis and Clark did more than 200 years ago.  USGS Scientists look forward each spring and fall to the opportunity to reach out and educate the next generation of citizens and scientists.

Biologists from the USGS teach 4th grade students about how scientists capture and study newly hatched pallid sturgeon
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Figure 1. Biologists from the USGS teach 4th grade students about how scientists capture and study newly hatched pallid sturgeon in the Missouri River. (Credit: Aaron DeLonay, U.S. Geological Survey. Public domain.)
USGS Fish Biologist, David Combs teaches 4th grade students about the four different species of invasive carps
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Figure 2. USGS Fish Biologist, David Combs teaches 4th grade students about the four different species of invasive carps that are present in the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.  (Credit: Aaron DeLonay, U.S. Geological Survey. Public domain.)
USGS Hydrologist, Carrie Elliott shows 4th grade students the research vessels and survey tools that scientists use to map
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Figure 3. USGS Hydrologist, Carrie Elliott shows 4th grade students the research vessels and survey tools that scientists use to map and characterize the habitats used by the endangered pallid sturgeon on the bottom of the muddy Missouri River.(Credit: Aaron DeLonay, U.S. Geological Survey. Public domain.)
  • Overview

    By Aaron DeLonay

    August 31, 2018

     

    A critical part of a scientist’s job is to share what they learn with stakeholders and the general public.  Sharing knowledge and expertise increases awareness and helps to educate the public about issues that affect the management of the Missouri River and the species that live there.  Scientists from the Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project participate in numerous outreach and education events throughout the year, but one of the most exciting events is the “Missouri River Days” program sponsored by Missouri River Relief (https://www.riverrelief.org/) in cooperation with Columbia (Missouri) Public Schools.  During the last week in August, more than 250 4th grade students left their classrooms to investigate the Missouri River.  Participating scientists, river experts, and local artists from Missouri River Relief, Universities, and State and Federal Agencies met busloads of enthusiastic students on the banks of the Missouri River at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area near Columbia, Missouri.  Students got the chance to talk to scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Missouri Department of Conservation about the tools they use to study the river and fish that live in it.  They also got the chance to take a ride on the river in boats similar to those used by scientists.  Students also spent time investigating plant communities along the river and using watercolors to translate their scientific experience on the river into art in much the same way explorers Lewis and Clark did more than 200 years ago.  USGS Scientists look forward each spring and fall to the opportunity to reach out and educate the next generation of citizens and scientists.

    Biologists from the USGS teach 4th grade students about how scientists capture and study newly hatched pallid sturgeon
    Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
    Figure 1. Biologists from the USGS teach 4th grade students about how scientists capture and study newly hatched pallid sturgeon in the Missouri River. (Credit: Aaron DeLonay, U.S. Geological Survey. Public domain.)
    USGS Fish Biologist, David Combs teaches 4th grade students about the four different species of invasive carps
    Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
    Figure 2. USGS Fish Biologist, David Combs teaches 4th grade students about the four different species of invasive carps that are present in the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.  (Credit: Aaron DeLonay, U.S. Geological Survey. Public domain.)
    USGS Hydrologist, Carrie Elliott shows 4th grade students the research vessels and survey tools that scientists use to map
    Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
    Figure 3. USGS Hydrologist, Carrie Elliott shows 4th grade students the research vessels and survey tools that scientists use to map and characterize the habitats used by the endangered pallid sturgeon on the bottom of the muddy Missouri River.(Credit: Aaron DeLonay, U.S. Geological Survey. Public domain.)