Virtual Fossils: a New Resource for Science Communication in Paleontology

Abstract

Computer-aided 3-D reconstruction of fossils, or virtual paleontology, is an increasingly common and powerful technique. It is now regularly used for research in paleontology, yet to date has impacted little on public outreach and science communication; however, it is ideally suited for these purposes, being increasingly cheap and available, dynamic and exciting, and applicable to a range of topics. Here, we provide an introduction to the field, and a case study of its use for a public engagement event. The steps involved in creating such an educational resource are outlined, and include computed tomography scanning, digital visualization, and 3-D printing of fossils. We emphasize the value of virtual fossils for science communication; they allow for diverse learning styles in a variety of topics. In the future, we hope that virtual paleontology will become a mainstay of communicating the history of life, thereby promoting accurate understanding of evolution.

Non-invasive imaging methods applied to neo- and paleo-ontological cephalopod research

“…A clear advantage for future work is the possibility to store and share the CT data and make them available for subsequent studies of other researchers. Rare fossils (e.g., holotype material) can be duplicated as 3-D prints and sent to scientists all over the world or used for lectures (Rahman et al, 2012), exhibitions and outreach programs. Single pieces of a broken specimen can be scanned separately, merged digitally -as shown by for an Upper Cretaceous hollow preserved ammonite -and printed in one piece afterwards (Fig.…”

Creación, visualización e impresión 3D de colecciones online de modelos educativos tridimensionales con tecnologías de bajo coste; Caso práctico del patrimonio fósil marino de Canarias

“…Sin embargo, a partir del año 2000, las técnicas de escaneado, digitalización y realización de modelos y réplicas en 3D procedentes de otras disciplinas (medicina, Arquitectura, arte, etc. ), se han ido incorporando de forma significativa al mundo de la Paleontología, primero a su ámbito científico, y en menor medida al educativo y divulgativo (Rahman, et al, 2012). En especial, los modelos digitales de fósiles adquieren mucha relevancia porque son muy eficaces para comunicar visualmente conceptos complejos o técnicos convirtiéndose en un recurso educativo transversal (Bates, et al 2009;Reynolds, 2010).…”

3D printing in microscopy and science outreach

“…This facilitates rapid data interpretation and in my experience makes it an ideal accessory for poster presentations or discussions at conferences where there access to computing facilities capable of displaying the data in 3D may be problematic. The use of 3D printing in an academic environment is shown to be beneficial for students studying engineering (Kolitsky, 2014b) and has also been applied to diverse range of subjects from archaeology (Rahman et al, 2012), anatomy (McMenamin et al, 2014) and maths (Aboufadel et al, 2013). It is also beneficial for visually impaired or blind students and researchers (Leander, 2012) and is a more inclusive approach to disseminating data.…”

“…Science outreach can have a significant impact and free resources made available to the public enhance their scientific understanding (Falk and Dierking, 2010). 3D printing has provided a fascinating tool that readily engages the general public with research (Rahman et al, 2012). It can be especially important to incorporate 3D prints and models when teaching scientific concepts (Ferk et al, 2003) and children in particular benefit from tactile aids as part of their learning process (Dunn and Dunn, 1992).…”

“…Palaeontology is an example where 3D printing can enable public interaction with fossils in a way that would not otherwise be possible and one such event is described in detail by Rahman and colleagues (Rahman et al, 2012).…”