What are the specific forms of popular science activities of paleontological fossils?

With the gradual understanding and love of paleontological fossils and the continuous development of paleontological fossil protection work, paleontological fossil protection units, research institutes, museums, non-governmental organizations and enthusiasts in various regions have carried out a series of popular science activities on paleontological fossils. There are mainly the following forms:

(1) Interesting functional explanation. Among the numerous popular science activities of paleontological fossils, the explanation activity can be said to be the most basic and carried out most. Traditional explanation forms are conducive to the systematic dissemination of knowledge about paleontology and fossil protection, especially if well-known domestic experts and scholars can be invited to explain to the audience, which will increase the influence and publicity effect (Figure 10- 1).

(2) Professional popular science reports. With people's attention to fossils, more and more friends like fossils. Among them, many professional enthusiasts have been born, and it is not enough for these people to carry out activities only in the form of explanations. At this time, it is necessary to arrange professional popular science reports and seminars according to different expert resources in different places. This kind of activity is mainly aimed at enthusiasts with a certain professional foundation. Popular science reports not only meet their needs, but also help fossil lovers communicate with professionals at zero distance.

Photo 10- 1 Professor Dong Zhiming, a dinosaur research expert, gives a lecture (photography/Zhang Dawei)

Photo 10-2 Walking into Jianchang Fossil Exhibition (Photography/Wang Lixia)

(3) Various interesting popular science experience activities. Experiential and participatory popular science activities are the most popular, and they are also a means to visualize and animate abstract fossil materials and prehistoric life. At present, China has tried to carry out the following popular science experience activities: simulated fossil excavation, fossil turnover, simulated fossil mounting, "I make clothes for dinosaurs", dinosaur DIY soap, painting dinosaurs, writing letters to dinosaurs, fossil collage, I compare my weight with dinosaurs, I race with dinosaurs, simulated measurement of dinosaur footprints, DIY dinosaur model making activities and so on.

(4) Field investigation. In recent years, many units have organized mysterious field investigations of paleontology. For example, the China Museum of Paleontology organized members of the Little Daer Club to visit Zhucheng, Shandong Province and Lufeng, Yunnan Province, so that participants could learn about fossil knowledge in the wild environment and participate in the whole process of fossil discovery, collection, transportation and field investigation, which played a very good role in promoting the popularization of fossil.

(5) Other forms. In addition to the above forms, there are various forms such as holding paleontological fossil photography, exhibition of fossil science and art characteristics (Figure 10-2), art competition, sci-fi painting creation, and writing popular science articles. In the future, with the enhancement of the public's awareness of paleontological fossil protection, the number of professionals engaged in conservation education will increase, and more forms of popular science activities will be formed.