Carnegie Museum of Natural History launched a new streaming series that broadcasts scientists to schools across the country using Facebook Live.
The new live video series leverages technology to share scientific information and give classrooms and Facebook users a behind-the-scenes look at museum collections while learning about science from museum experts.
“This series is helping us achieve one of our primary institutional goals, which is to educate the public,” said Dr. Eric Dorfman, director of Carnegie Museum of Natural History. “By utilizing technology, we are reaching wider audiences in schools, not just in Pittsburgh but across the country.”
Teachers, students, and the public can tune into the series for free by simply visiting the museum’s Facebook page at the planned time. The videos are also posted on Facebook to view anytime for those unable to watch live.
Paleontologist Dr. Matt Lamanna kicked off the series with a live stream on January 26 from the Big Bone Room at Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Dr. Lamanna discussed Diplodocus carnegii and what it is like to be a paleontologist in a video viewed more than 5,000 times. Matt received more than 75 questions from viewers, including questions from students in schools in Pittsburgh, Indiana, Ohio, and New York.
“This was a great way to reach a large audience of students all at once,” said Dr. Lamanna. “Seeing all of the questions pour in from aspiring scientists was an exciting start to this new project.”
Future live streams will feature other experts from the museum’s scientific sections who will share their specialized knowledge and show off pieces of the museum’s hidden collection.
The museum’s next live stream will be with botanist Bonnie Isaac on February 15 at 10:30 a.m. Tune in at facebook.com/carnegiemnh.
