SFSU graduate students doing research at the Romberg Tiburon Center for Environmental Studies (RTC) are helping introduce young children to science by serving as guest scientists at the Bay Area Discovery Center.

Each month, a graduate student from RTC, SFSU’s marine field station and the only research facility on the San Francisco Bay, makes a Saturday visit to the Discovery Museum. Three guest scientists have spoken at the museum since November, teaching children about sharks, snakes, turtles (red-eared slider turtle pictured right), sturgeon and jellyfish through hands-on exhibits and crafts geared to children 10 and under.

"They’re definitely coming away with a better understanding of what’s in their environment," said Adria Lassiter, a graduate student in marine biology and the education and outreach coordinator on this project. Lassiter gave the first presentation in November.

"I collected some local jellyfish and just talked about jellyfish and what they do in the Bay. The kids really loved the hands-on aspect."

Lassiter also provided materials for kids to make jellyfish out of paper plates, and engaged their parents in a discussion about how to teach their children to appreciate science and the environment. The children enjoy the crafts as much as the exhibits. Other activities have included painting rubber fish and then stamping them on to paper (pictured left).

Marine biology student Julian Herndon talked about sharks, and guided the kids in a hands-on exploration of preserved sharks and shark teeth.

"Sharks are what got me originally interested in biology and kind of a hobby of mine," said Herndon, who is schedule to graduate in May. "We’re providing the opportunity to bring science to very young kids, and hopefully get them interested in research, environmental issues and science later on."

"It’s important to instill a love of the environment at an early age," said Lassiter, who hopes to pursue a career in environmental education and advocacy after she graduates in May.

The guest scientist program is made possible by a National Science Foundation grant to the Bay Area Discovery Museum in partnership with the RTC.