Connecting Communities and Science: A Collaborative Paleoenvironmental Project in Laguna La Barrancosa, Argentina

We present a collaborative citizen science initiative carried out with high school students from EES N° 3 “Florentino Ameghino”, Chillar, Argentina, as part of a paleoenvironmental research project in lake sediment cores of Laguna La Barrancosa (37°19’ S, 60°06’ W). Students actively participated in collecting and analysing a sediment core spanning the past 500 years. Together, we conducted measurements of magnetic susceptibility, dry density, and organic matter, aiming to reconstruct past environmental changes and emphasize the importance of preserving this site as a vital ecological resource.
The project was made possible through the Neville Shulman Award, which provided funding to support research that increases local community engagement in environmental projects. This grant allowed us to design an initiative that combined scientific research with a participatory and educational approach, empowering the local community and fostering a sense of environmental stewardship.
Through hands-on experiences in both their school laboratory and advanced facilities at the University, students not only gained technical skills but also developed a deeper understanding of how agriculture that dominates the region´s landscape has influenced the lake's ecosystem. This project empowered students to reflect on their relationship with the environment they inhabit. Particularly given that, many of the students' families are involved in agriculture and often visit the lake for fishing.
These experiences offered all of us a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between local knowledge and academic science. For the students, this marked their first interaction with professional research and their first experience visiting a university. One of the most inspiring outcomes was the impact this project had on the students’ aspirations. Their exposure to scientific methods, combined with the support and encouragement of researchers, motivated many to consider pursuing higher education. The project opened new possibilities and demonstrated the accessibility of academic paths, planting seeds for future scientific curiosity and engagement. At the same time, it prompted us as scientists to reflect on how we do science and how to effectively communicate our work to diverse audiences.
Students presented the results during Chillar's annual town celebration, where they sparked valuable discussions about the region’s history and environmental challenges. Among the ideas that emerged was a new initiative to connect the observed environmental changes with the area’s archaeological history in future research. This underscores the richness and relevance of integrating local perspectives into scientific endeavors.
This presentation will delve into the outcomes of this collaboration, including lessons learned, best practices, and challenges faced during the process. It will also highlight the mutual benefits of co-creation, where both scientific research and community engagement are enriched, illustrating how participatory approaches can transform environmental awareness and promote inclusive, impactful science with long-lasting effects.