Track a subject by e-mail useum scientists can use the Internet to offer new windows into paleontology. Many museums have vast collections but limited space for displaying their artifacts, and financial restrictions can also limit the size and style of exhibits. The Internet is also a good place to see specimens that are too delicate to display openly and others that are barely visible to the naked eye but are captivating when magnified. Museums are also beginning to experiment with the Internet as an education tool that can attract children and adults who might otherwise feel alienated from science. Science textbooks, even those for college students, provide little insight into the real working life of scientists, but on-line exhibits can easily present such details.
Paleontologists realize that many people find dinosaurs fascinating and enjoy fossil hunting.
Many museum-based educators are responding to this interest by showing enthusiasts what is involved in paleontology research. Taking advantage of the Internet, they help people learn about the kinds of questions paleontologists ask, the kinds of tools they use to look for answers and the process in which new answers lead to new questions. Exploring a museum Web site does not replace the experience of roaming through the actual galleries, but it can enhance the on-site experience. Previewing a museum Web site before your actual visit can help you identify the displays you want to visit. After your visit, a look at the Web site may give you additional information about the exhibits you saw firsthand.