Our purpose is to educate and create a sense of appreciation for Florida’s paleontological history. Programs strive to be both fun and educational. Question and answer sessions to further explore related topics in geology and archeology are always encouraged. The Fossil Discovery Hour can be tailored for all age ranges. This program is designed to encourage further research in class or at home.
The Fossil Discovery Hour has 2 sections:
1. Fossil “Show and Tell” along with question and answer session. Rare and unusual fossils found over the years on our tours are showcased for discussion- much of this section is "hands-on" with real Florida fossils; we think it adds an extra dimension for participants to be able to see up close and hold the fossils we're talking about.
2. Fossil exploration and “Dig.” Participants will be given identification sheet and paper plate of fossiliferous gravel in which they can find numerous fossils including shark teeth, bones, fish remains, stingray spines and teeth, shells and many other remains of ancient marine life. We will circulate among the room and help identify anything of interest. Anything found is of course theirs to keep and bring home. All materials and cleanup is supplied by Paleo Discoveries. The Fossil Discovery Hour runs approximately 1hr. References available on request.
Prices for the Fossil Discovery Hour are $250- $300 for the first session and $200 - $250 for subsequent sessions the same day. Group size limited to 50 or less.
Paleo Discoveries offers both on-location educational programs and guided fossil-hunting tours for many other groups besides schools- nature centers, libraries, local history groups, fossil clubs, boy/girl scouts and various other youth and adult groups who want to introduce their students and members to Florida paleontology.
SUPER FLORIDA FIELD TRIP- Are you an educator interested in paleontology and looking for a special field trip for your students? Take a look at this 2 for 1 package trip we perform in Gainesville:
1. Visit the Florida Museum of Natural History in the morning and get a guided tour of the remarkable "Florida's Fossils- Evolution of Life and Land" exhibit. If possible, an alternate "behind the scenes" tour of the Vertebrate Collections dept. may be arranged. A great field trip in and of itself, either tour takes approximately 1-1/2 to 2 hours.
2. In the afternoon, a 5-10 minute drive from the museum will allow students to go on a fossil-hunting tour in one of the shallow creeks near downtown Gainesville. Many of the same fossils found in the Peace River area can be found in these creeks.
Take advantage of these two unique opportunities in one day and give your students a memorable experience in Florida paleontology. Call or email for more details including pricing.
Anyone with enthusiasm to explore the really old Florida is cordially invited!
Contact Fred Mazza of Paleo Discoveries at (772) 539-7005 or
fredmazza@paleodiscoveries.com
