In 2015, scientists at the Field Museum were incredibly busy and productive. They published 226 books and research papers, which were referenced by other researchers over 10,000 times! These scientists explored specimens from every continent, including those from the ocean and even some from outer space. Along the way, they made some amazing discoveries, including 148 new archaeological sites and 160 new species of plants and animals.
The museum is not just about keeping discoveries to themselves. They shared over 42,000 specimens with other museums and research institutions around the world. This sharing helps scientists everywhere learn more and make new discoveries. Additionally, the museum welcomed 727 visitors who came to help answer important research questions, contributing to the global scientific community.
Even though these discoveries are exciting, you might not have heard about them. That’s because, for the past 36 years, the museum has shared these updates through an internal newsletter called The Natural News. This newsletter includes stories about expeditions, new species, and other fascinating research findings.
Now, the museum wants to share these exciting updates with everyone through The Brain Scoop, a video series that will feature The Natural News every other week. This way, you can learn about the latest scientific discoveries and adventures from the Field Museum. Don’t worry, The Brain Scoop will still have its regular content too. The first episode of The Natural News will be available in two weeks, so stay tuned for some amazing science stories!
Imagine you are a curator at the Field Museum. Choose one of the new species or archaeological sites mentioned in the article and create a mini-exhibit. Use drawings, models, or digital presentations to showcase your chosen discovery. Explain why it’s significant and how it contributes to our understanding of the world.
Become a journalist for a day and write an article for a fictional newsletter inspired by The Natural News. Choose a discovery from the article and write a short piece that explains the discovery in an engaging way. Include quotes from imaginary scientists and describe the impact of the discovery on the scientific community.
Participate in a role-playing activity where you simulate the sharing of specimens between museums. Work in groups to decide which specimens to share and why. Discuss how sharing specimens can lead to new discoveries and collaborations between scientists worldwide.
Create a short video presentation as if you are hosting an episode of The Brain Scoop. Choose a topic from the article and present it in an engaging way, using visuals and props. Share your video with the class and discuss what you learned from the experience.
Research one of the 160 new species discovered by the Field Museum scientists. Create a presentation that includes information about the species’ habitat, characteristics, and importance. Present your findings to the class and discuss how discovering new species can impact our understanding of biodiversity.
In 2015, Field Museum scientists published 226 books and papers and had their work cited more than 10,000 times. They studied specimens from every continent on the planet, including those in the ocean and others in outer space. In the process, they discovered 148 new archaeological sites and 160 new species. The museum lent out over 42,000 specimens to other museums and research institutions, and welcomed 727 visitors who came to help answer significant research questions. You may not have heard about much of this, and that’s understandable. However, I wanted to change that.
For the past 36 years, the museum has circulated an internal newsletter called The Natural News, where scientists share updates about expeditions, new species, and other research findings. We aim to bring all of that information to you right here on The Brain Scoop every other week. Don’t worry; we will continue to provide our regular content as well. The first episode of The Natural News will air in two weeks. Stay tuned!
Discoveries – New findings or knowledge gained through exploration or study. – Scientists made significant discoveries about the structure of DNA, which helped us understand genetics better.
Specimens – Samples or examples of something, especially when used for scientific study. – The biologist collected specimens of different insects to study their behaviors in the lab.
Species – A group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding. – The giant panda is an endangered species that lives in the bamboo forests of China.
Research – The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions. – The students conducted research on the effects of pollution on marine life for their science project.
Scientists – Individuals who conduct scientific research to advance knowledge in an area of interest. – Scientists are working tirelessly to find a cure for various diseases through innovative experiments.
Museum – An institution that collects, preserves, and displays objects of historical, cultural, or scientific importance. – The natural history museum had an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils that fascinated the visitors.
Knowledge – Information, understanding, or skill that one gets from experience or education. – Gaining knowledge about ecosystems helps us appreciate the importance of biodiversity.
Archaeological – Related to the study of human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artifacts and other physical remains. – Archaeological digs have uncovered ancient tools that provide insight into early human life.
Plants – Living organisms that typically grow in soil, have stems and leaves, and produce their own food through photosynthesis. – Plants play a crucial role in the ecosystem by producing oxygen and serving as food for many animals.
Animals – Living organisms that feed on organic matter, typically having specialized sense organs and nervous systems. – Animals such as lions and elephants are often studied to understand their behavior and habitats.
