The project, From Fossils to Space, targets science teachers and students in Baldwin, Jones, Hancock, Putnam, and Wilkinson counties.

The grant will be used to train teachers how to cover the state’s performance standards in paleontology, earth science, and astronomy. Teachers will learn how to integrate planetarium shows, museum exhibits, fossil casts, geological processes, and summer fieldwork experiences into coursework.

An exciting aspect of the grant will be student field trips to the museum. In addition, the project will provide funding to hire a full-time museum manager. Georgia College provided an equal match as part of its commitment to the project.

Dr. Bob Chandler, professor of biology and lead investigator, views this award as a unique opportunity for regional teachers and their students to experience the resources at the Natural History Museum and Planetarium.

“From Fossils to Space is our first targeted museum-school project that specializes in paleontology, natural history, geology, and astronomy,” said Chandler.

Dr. Rosalie Richards, director of the Science Education Center and co-investigator, recognizes the potential impact of the project.

“We anticipate that trained teachers will act as catalysts for exposing thousands of grades 3-8 students to the museum and planetarium as not only a science experience but also, as a life-changing cultural experience,” Richards said.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is a grant-making federal agency supporting museums and libraries of all types and is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums.

The Natural History Museum's project was one of 167 funded projects chosen from 433 applicants across the United States. Grants were awarded to support high-priority activities that advance museums’ missions and strategic goals to help them to serve the public more effectively.

The Natural History Museum and the Planetarium at Georgia College are located on the ground level of Herty Hall on the corner of West Montgomery and North Wilkinson streets.

For more information on From Fossils to Space, contact bob.chandler@gcsu.edu or science@gcsu.edu.