A Hangout IN Air–Off a Cliff Face–for Science
When I last did a Google Science Fair Hangout On Air with Jason Osborne and Aaron Alford, founders of Paleo Quest, they were diving in a swamp looking for fossils.
By Mariette DiChristina
This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
When I last did a Google Science Fair Hangout On Air with Jason Osborne and Aaron Alford, founders of Paleo Quest, they were diving in a swamp looking for fossils. Yesterday, they took their fossil quest to new heights, rather literally: this time, they hung on ropes off the side of a cliff for a Hangout IN Air: Fossils in the Sky. The ocean fossils there may include samples from sharks and marine mammals like whales. (Love whales? Help scientists understand their vocalizations by participating in our citizen science project Whale.FM.) During the Hangout
Scientific American is a founding partner of the Google Science Fair, and annually awards a $50,000 Science in Action prize.
Thank goodness no scientists were harmed in the making of this video! Below the video embed of our Hangout, I share some photos from our go-anywhere, do-anything duo.
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
Jason Osborne's phone, rigged to run the Google Hangout On Air. Credit: Aaron Alford
Aaron Alford rappelling during Google Science Fair Hangout On Air. Credit: Jason Osborne
Jason Osborne on cliff face during Google Science Fair Hangout On Air. Credit: Aaron Alford
Jason Osborne rappelling, running Hangout On Air with phone, and looking for fossils. Credit: Aaron Alford.It’s Time to Stand Up for Science
If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.
I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.
If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.
In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.
There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.
