Photo M. E. Perez
STANDING (l-r): Clarence Boyles, Donna Calder, Dimitri Hepburn, Clarissa Galvan, Matthew Knoepke, Michael Laureano, Kristin Atman, Quyeisha Dykes , Chukwudi Mogbo, Arieshae Parker, Elena Schroeter KNEELING (l-r): Gabrielle Lyon, Miguel Ruiz, Mariana Maldonado, Tommie Collins, Kassandra Davis

On November 15, 2007, Project Exploration led 10 Chicago area high school students and three teachers to join University of Chicago paleontologist Paul Sereno at National Geographic Headquarters in Washington, D.C. to announce a major discovery—the unveiling of a 30-foot long skeleton of a dinosaur from Africa that mowed down ferns some 110 million years ago.

Photo M.E. Perez Nigersaurus Delegates receive a unique behind-the-scenes view of fossil preparation at the University of Chicago Fossil Lab.

Photo M.E. Perez Students, teachers, and guests learn firsthand about the steps of discovery and scientific research from University of Chicago paleontologist and discoverer of Nigersaurus, Dr. Paul Sereno.

All of the delegates have participated in Project Exploration science programs and nearly all have also experienced science fieldwork in the West first hand with Project Exploration. To ready this "Nigersaurus Delegation” of scientists-in-the-making, Project Exploration engaged them in every aspect of the research that led up to the press announcement. Delegates have participated in science fieldwork, toured the fossil lab where the new species was reconstructed, completed a day of training by lead scientists, and studied the scientific reports and media alerts before they were released to the press and public.

Photo M.E. Perez Nigersaurus Delegate, Dimitri Hepburn, starts off the day by capturing questions about the discovery of a new species of dinosaur, Nigersaurus taqueti.

Photo M.E. Perez Clarence (left) and Mariana closely examine the size and shape of the endocast (a cast of the space where the brain is found) of Nigersaurus.

Most students and teachers learn about science by reading about it long after the research is complete and published by the press. Usually only the most academically-elite students and their teachers experience firsthand how science actually works. Project Exploration is charting new strategies for getting students of all backgrounds engaged in science and working  to change the face of science by creating new blueprints for inspiring the next generation of scientists and explorers. The Nigersaurus Delegation is one of these endeavors.

Photo M.E. Perez
Kassandra (left) and Arieshae capture their initial reflections and
expectations of the Nigersaurus Delegation experience in their journals. 
Photo © M.E. Perez

Project Exploration is a nonprofit science education organization cofounded by paleontologist Paul Sereno and educator Gabrielle Lyon, dedicated to making science accessible to the public – especially minority youth and girls – through personalized experiences with science and scientists. Project Exploration works to connect kids and families firsthand with the excitement of scientific discovery with youth development programs such as Sisters4Science, Junior Paleontologists; services for schools and teachers, including the Science Teacher Field Institute; and public outreach including a free-access website, travelling science exhibits and free resources such as “Discover Your Summer,” a guide to summer science opportunities.