What is the PYES Booth?
The “Picture Yourself as an Earth Scientist” (PYES) pop-up booth is a photo op setup including a green screen that allows participants to picture themselves in a geology field site.
Participants can try on the available geologist gear, learn about the tools of the trade and have a photo taken of themselves as geologists in front of a virtual backdrop. All while engaging with geology students and career scientists.
The facilitator will take a photo of the individual or group using an iPad, and the image is sent to a wireless printer on site so that participants can take home a souvenir photo of themselves in the "field site".
Why the PYES Booth?
To raise awareness for geoscience careers and the importance of earth and environmental science literacy in our everyday lives.
To increase diversity within the geosciences (one of the least diverse STEM fields) by engaging K-12 students in areas with a high population of underrepresented groups.
Photo booths have gained popularity at events like weddings and birthday parties with the rise of camera phones and social media platforms like Instagram. They attract a wide variety of audiences from young students to college, and they are particularly popular with families for group photos.
More engaging than just reading a pamphlet with information, and the “souvenir photo” can be used to spark a conversation beyond the event itself.
Email: mckinneymuseum@appstate.edu
Photo Galleries
PYES Drawing Contest
Congratulations to the winners of the first edition of our "Picture Yourself as an Earth Scientist" drawing contest.
Supported by
The newest, high-tech version of the PYES booth using the green screen was funded through a grant provided by the American Geophysical Union. The project is also supported in part by the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences at Appalachian State University and Vulcan Materials Company.
