Weatherford, OK – Faculty and students from the Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Natural History Museum visited Lt. General Thomas P. Stafford Elementary School to provide a hands-on science experience for third-grade students. The outreach focused on direct observation, discussion, and interaction with real scientific tools and specimens commonly used in biological research.

During the visit, students examined museum specimens including native Oklahoma wildlife and learned fundamental concepts in biology through guided activities. Fossils, preserved specimens, and live demonstrations helped students connect classroom lessons to the natural world. Dissecting microscopes and compound microscopes were used to observe structures up close, allowing students to see details not visible to the naked eye and better understand how scientists study living organisms and fossils.

The visit was led by Dr. Renan Janke Bosque, curator of the SWOSU Natural History Museum, and Dr. Marcella Santos, both faculty members in SWOSU’s Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences. They were joined by SWOSU students Erik Mesta, Erica Kline, Darby Elmore, and Madilyn Crisp, who assisted with specimen demonstrations, microscope activities, and small-group instruction throughout the visit.

By handling real specimens and observing biological structures up close, students were encouraged to ask questions, think critically, and connect classroom lessons to the natural world around them. The outreach experience aimed to spark curiosity about science while emphasizing the importance of biodiversity, fossils, and natural history collections.

With the support of the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences and the SWOSU Foundation, SWOSU Natural History Museum continues to connect the university with local schools through educational outreach. Activities such as this reflect SWOSU’s role in supporting science education and community engagement while providing young learners with opportunities to experience biology beyond the classroom.

To learn more about the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, visit https://www.swosu.edu/biological-sciences/index.php.

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