Abstract
Abstract. The Chicxulub science museum is special, in that it is built around an event in geological time representing a turning point in the planet's history and which brings together the Earth system components. Studies on the Chicxulub impact, mass extinction and Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary provide an engaging context for effective geoscience communication, outreach and education. The museum is part of a research complex in Yucatán Science and Technology Park in Mexico. Natural history museums with research components allow for the integration of up-to-date advances, expanding their usefulness and capabilities. The impact ranks among the major single events shaping Earth's history, triggering global climatic change and wiping out ∼76 % of species. The ∼200 km Chicxulub crater is the best preserved of three large terrestrial multi-ring impact structures, being a natural laboratory for investigating impact dynamics, crater formation and planetary evolution. The initiative builds on the interest that this geological site has for visitors, scholars and students by developing wide-reaching projects, a collaboration network and academic activities. The Chicxulub complex serves as a hub for multi- and interdisciplinary projects on the Earth and planetary sciences, climate change and life evolution, fulfilling a recognized task for communication of geosciences. After decades of studies, the Chicxulub impact remains under intense scrutiny, and this programme with the core facilities built inside the crater will be a major player.
Highlights
Geosciences in Mexico has a rich tradition that can be traced to the Meso-American cultures
The Chicxulub science museum developed around a unique geological event that marks the transition of the Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras provides the context for a major programme, which is based on the studies of the end-Cretaceous mass extinction, Chicxulub impact and Cretaceous–Paleogene (K–Pg) boundary
How is the programme addressing and developing its capabilities for outreach, education and geoscience communication? How attractive is this unique geological site for engaging visitors? How are concepts such as the nature of geologic time, life evolution, fossil record, climate change introduced? How do visitors respond to exhibits and related activities?
Summary
Geosciences in Mexico has a rich tradition that can be traced to the Meso-American cultures. Natural history and geological museums have a rich tradition in which collections of rocks, minerals, meteorites and fossils play an important role in non-formal education, with high learning potential for students, museum–school synergies, science engagement and teachers’ professional development The link to research allows for interactions of researchers and students with visitors through conferences, seminars and workshops and visits to the laboratories and geological sites How this translates to better appreciation and understanding of Earth and planetary sciences and science communication is a major part of the planning. Other issues on popular attractive themes like meteorite impacts and dinosaur extinction provide attractive contexts for geoscience engagement
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