The Teruel-Dinópolis Paleontological Joint Foundation joins the celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science with activities designed to highlight the contributions of women in the scientific field. On February 11, around 40 students from the 4th year of ESO at IES Vega del Turia in Teruel will participate in these initiatives, which aim to inspire new generations.
Exploring footprints of the past with a scientific perspective
In the activity titled «Science Leaves a Mark», paleontologists Ana González and Andrea Guarido will present an analysis of fossil footprints and traces. This approach allows for a crucial understanding of the appearance, behavior, and environment of dinosaurs. Using replicas of unique fossils from Teruel, such as the quadrupedal locomotion footprints of Iguanodon and theropod dinosaur traces, the experts will illustrate how this evidence can reconstruct the past.
Discovering Miocene predators
Another activity will take students to the paleontological laboratory of the Foundation, where restorers Raquel Ferrer and María Silvestre will explain the processes of restoration and conservation of fossils. Subsequently, researcher Gema Siliceo from ARAID will delve into the study of «saber-toothed» cats and hyenas from the late Miocene. Using high-resolution molds of skulls, Siliceo will demonstrate how the biology and hunting methods of these ancient predators are analyzed.
A global framework for equality in science
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated on February 11, was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly to promote gender equality in the scientific field. This year, the commemoration focuses on the theme «From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM by Closing the Gender Gap», which aims to turn vision into tangible impacts by reducing the gender gap in science and technology.
