Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Greg FrancisLepore, Taormina Jean2020-04-212020-04-212019https://scholarworks.montana.edu/handle/1/15678How do field science experiences shape a sense of conservation and stewardship in learners? This study analyzed separate groups of female-identifying and male-identifying 9th grade high school students (N=80) on their first field paleontology experience at Rainbow Basin Natural Area, California. Likert-style surveys and written self-reflections indicate relative consistency in pre- and post-treatment responses student-to-student, through when paired with qualitative responses, the power of science stewardship and a personal sense of connection to public lands becomes markedly apparent. Future studies in the realm of science stewardship in field paleontology will help illuminate the impact of field paleontology on science learners.enCitizen sciencePaleontologyHigh school studentsOutdoor educationResearchNature conservationPublic landsProfessional PaperCopyright 2019 by Taormina Jean Lepore