The preservation of fossil heritage constitutes an interdisciplinary challenge that involves geology, education, and the public communication of science. On the campus of the National University of Comahue, where fossils are exposed to the everyday environment, gaps in knowledge and limited dissemination regarding their value and legal protection are observed. In response to this issue, the present study aimed to evaluate the level of awareness and knowledge about fossils among different sectors of the community —university campus users, runners, and high school students— as well as to analyze the impact of an educational intervention on the social perception of fossil heritage.

The research was carried out under a mixed approach, through the application of surveys, interviews, and informative talks. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were examined through thematic coding. The results indicate that, although adults and university students possess a general awareness of the importance of fossils, their involvement and normative knowledge are limited. In contrast, high school students showed a significant increase in their knowledge and appreciation after participating in a guided educational instance.

Overall, the findings confirm the decisive role of geoscience education as a tool to strengthen social awareness and promote the preservation of fossil heritage. It is recommended to systematically incorporate heritage content into school, university, and community programs in order to foster an informed citizenship committed to its natural and cultural environment.

The preservation of fossil heritage constitutes an interdisciplinary challenge that involves geology, education, and the public communication of science. On the campus of the National University of Comahue, where fossils are exposed to the everyday environment, gaps in knowledge and limited dissemination regarding their value and legal protection are observed. In response to this issue, the present study aimed to evaluate the level of awareness and knowledge about fossils among different sectors of the community —university campus users, runners, and high school students— as well as to analyze the impact of an educational intervention on the social perception of fossil heritage.

The research was carried out under a mixed approach, through the application of surveys, interviews, and informative talks. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were examined through thematic coding. The results indicate that, although adults and university students possess a general awareness of the importance of fossils, their involvement and normative knowledge are limited. In contrast, high school students showed a significant increase in their knowledge and appreciation after participating in a guided educational instance.

Overall, the findings confirm the decisive role of geoscience education as a tool to strengthen social awareness and promote the preservation of fossil heritage. It is recommended to systematically incorporate heritage content into school, university, and community programs in order to foster an informed citizenship committed to its natural and cultural environment.