Table 5 Selected scientists’ responses to sub-question 2(a)

• I no longer consider a publication in a peer-reviewed journal as the end goal for a research project. Now I see it as a classroom lesson. I strongly believe that any research project can be translated into a K12 lesson

• I think that working with teachers has helped me learn how to communicate science to people in a more clear and concise way. Talking with the teachers allowed me to see how most people view and interpret scientific principles, which is important to know when explaining science to the public

• I found myself considering how I might involve teachers in my own work in the future. I also now consider what types of tasks are easily transferable to a classroom setting where students could participate in data collection

• I now not only feel more comfortable sharing my own research with broader audiences of all ages, but also see the necessity of doing such. Achieving impactful 'broader impacts' initiatives now seems much more attainable and I am even more comfortable/confident training others of varying levels of experience in the methods and process associated with my work

• Teachers assisted with collection of the fossils that I have subsequently used in my research