Paleonet concept

From
Date
Greetings all,
          I am a teacher of science and technology at the primary school
level. I would probably be a pretty rare specimen in our education system
in that I do teach geology / paleontology (rocks and fossils to the kids)
at this age group.
        On searching the net for info re fossils I came across the Paleonet
page and decided to "subscribe".  I must say I am impressed with the
opportunity to evesdrop on science.  It is unbelievably difficult for the
lay person with an interest in science to make this sort of contact.
        I, for one, will be considerably more tolerant of any server
problems by Paleonet having experienced such difficulty in making contact
with professionals in the field.
        I have a reasonable collection of Australian fossil material
(mostly collected personally .. some donated to the school) and similarly
with rocks and minerals.  The numbers of children who are keen on
dinosaurs, pretty rocks etc at this age group is rarely capitalised on by
the education system. Many of the kids here regularly come to me with a
rock in their hot little paw asking for an ID.  I see this as an
opportunity to spark a deeper interest in geology / paleontology (and, of
course, related fields) and do my best to help the wondering kid.
        I have been fortunate in obtaining help with fossil locations from
some of our universities and am in the process of arranging excursions for
interested kids to visit these sites "responsibly".  I would appreciate any
help in this regard, especially with sites close to Sydney, NSW, Australia
that are suitable for younger kids.
        Many thanks for the opportunity to "listen in" on science as it happens.
Regards,
Gary Holloway
Oakville Public School