Abstract
Scientists are accused of being myopic-of studying one tiny corner of the natural world for decades. Perhaps microbiologists, who study the tiniest life, are most guilty of this view. The research is important, and such in-depth study provides a strong foundation on which many can build, but the impact of what you do outside the research may be equally significant. We invite halophile scientists to participate in efforts beyond the laboratory. Give a talk at your local library, speak to the newspaper, and go into schools. Work with undergraduates, design field trips for the community, and engage teachers. Our plea is discussed below, with models, rationale, and support from research in the field of science education.
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We are grateful for the editorial assistance of Dale Thompson whose careful attention to detail improved this chapter.
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Baxter, B.K., Butler, J.K., Kleba, B. (2012). Worth Your Salt: Halophiles in Education. In: Vreeland, R.H. (eds) Advances in Understanding the Biology of Halophilic Microorganisms. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-5539-0_9
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