It is with great pleasure that I congratulate the awardees and all the participants
in the American
Museum of Natural History Young Naturalist Awards. We were delighted with the range and quality of the submissions. They
are strong evidence of our young people's interest in the process of scientific exploration, as well as an understanding
of the importance of effectively communicating their observations, analysis, and conclusions to others.
This marks the third year of the Young Naturalist Awards, an annual program supported by The Chase Manhattan Foundation,
to recognize young people in grades 7-12 for their excellence in biology, Earth science, astronomy, and cultural
studies. The Young Naturalist Awards is part of a Museum initiative to extend our scientific and educational
resources-which include a research staff of over 200 scientists, 32 million artifacts and specimens, and a world class
program of on-site exhibitions-beyond our walls to a national audience. It is one of many Museum programs that provide
opportunities to connect young people to real scientists and real science.
This year's awards' theme is looking back, looking ahead. The 20th century has been a period of amazing scientific
advancement, filled with new discoveries, new ideas, and most importantly new questions. As we embark on the 21st
century, we can look back to try to understand who we are, where we come from, where we fit in, and where we might be
headed. The Young Naturalist Awards 2000 invited students to participate by selecting one of three projects. Using
biology, Earth science, or astronomy as a departure point, applicants were asked to choose a scientific topic or
question and look at what we knew in 1900, what we know in 2000, and what we might know in 2100 and apply their inquiry
to the categories of Research, Exhibitions, or Expeditions. Educators and scientists at the Museum judged and selected
the awardees whose outstanding work is published in this catalog.
Again, congratulations to all the participants, awardees, supporting parents and teachers. Your work gives all of us
here at the Museum confidence as we think about your generation-the scientists, thinkers, and leaders of tomorrow.
Ellen V. Futter, President
American Museum of Natural History
