Collaboration

Science is all about working together and with other people. For scientists to work well they need to talk to other scientists. They share the work they are doing and help each other out. If groups of scientists work together it helps them to have a better understanding of the complex problems they work on.

Here at DoC (Department of Conservation) they work closely with Landcare Research to make sure they are doing the right things for the grand and Otago skinks. The Landcare scientists share their knowledge of skinks and the DoC scientists share their knowledge of predators and the habitat to work together to make sure the skinks are safe and protected.

Scientists work with each other all over the world - they share their research and they discuss other scientists research. Scientists learn a lot from each other and they all have different ideas to bring to a project.

It's the same at school! Working with others can help you have a better understanding of the work you are doing.
Think of the times when you have worked with other people - what new ideas did you learn from them and what did they learn from you? Did you do a better job of the task because you all shared your thinking?

Have a look at this video from the Science Learning Hub talking about scientists collaborating in Antarctica.

http://sciencelearn.org.nz/Contexts/Icy-Ecosystems/Sci-Media/Video/Collaboration-in-Antarctica

What different scientists are working together? Why is it important for them to work together?