| Abstract | Biodiversity specimen data is one of the richest sources of information for life on earth across both space and time. As biodiversity data becomes more accessible through the numerous digitization efforts (such as the Advancing Digitization for Biological Collections Program), many new research and educational applications for specimen data are being realized. Digitized data, media, and digitization programs themselves add richness, diversity, and authenticity to outreach programs and materials. We will share several examples of projects using digitized specimens in education and outreach activities from the Thematic Collections Network (The Fossil Insect Collaborative; The Symbiota Collections of Arthropods Network; Tri-Trophic Thematic Collections Network; Lichens, Bryophytes, and Climate Change) and beyond (CalBug, iDigPaleo, Notes from Nature). We will explain how these different projects foster both an appreciation for biodiversity and collections, as well as an understanding of collections-based science with a variety of audiences. We will also share resources and programs so others can get involved with collections-centric outreach projects through digitization. |
