Dr. Steve Murphree, professor of biology, gave a presentation on Oct. 6 to a group of parents, children and staff at the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring in Murfreesboro, Tenn. The Discovery Center, chartered in 1986, is a hands-on museum and nature center that inspires exploration, enhances learning, and builds confidence through diverse programs and exhibits.
Dr. Murphree’s presentation, entitled “Dragons and Damsels: The Lives of Odonates,” was part of the citizen’s Citizen Science programs that engage people of all backgrounds and abilities in scientific research, and helps to connect scientists with participants and allow them to be part of the research community. Citizen Science empowers children to feel like they can be scientists and that the data they collect makes a difference. After the talk, Murphree led them in a walk along the Murfree Spring boardwalk which winds around 20 acres of natural wetlands where you can explore the wonders of nature. The group looked for dragonflies, damselflies and other wildlife between rain showers.
