RE: paleonet Jr High Fossil Activity?

["David Kopaska-Merkel" <davidkm@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

It is quite true that most geologists are not paleontologists, and most
paleontologists don't spend a lot of time actually looking at macrofossils,
but most fire fighters don't spend a lot of time putting out fires either.
For 11-13 year olds, I believe it best to focus on what's exciting and fun
about a field. Time enough for them to decide in high school or college if
they really like the other aspects of paleontology. You have to turn kids on
before you turn them off, or you never get their attention at all.

David C. Kopaska-Merkel
Geological Survey of Alabama
P.O. Box 869999
Tuscaloosa AL 35486-6999
(205) 349-2852
fax 349-2861
www.gsa.state.al.us

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"Say sumpin weightier 'n what you did."
"FIF-teen ton of Bituminous coal."

> -----Original Message-----
> From: paleonet-owner@nhm.ac.uk [mailto:paleonet-owner@nhm.ac.uk]On
> Behalf Of Thomas Yancey
> Sent: Thursday, November 07, 2002 9:53 AM
> To: paleonet@nhm.ac.uk
> Subject: Re: paleonet Jr High Fossil Activity?
>
>
> I think your premise is inappropriate. Overall, geologists do not
> work with
> Paleozoic invertebrates. Or any invertebrates. Even most paleontologists
> use fossils only incidentlally for their studies, relying mostly on
> literature compilations. The paleontological activity in your own
> department is atypical of the profession, and even with your
> department the
> greatest activity is by retired faculty.
>
> Develop paper exercises and focus on theory.
>
> T. Yancey
>
>
>
> >I am seeking suggestions for a fun and educational outreach activity for
> >junior high students (11-14 years old) that involves fossils and Earth
> >history.  I m trying to develop something hands-on and investigatory
> >using the common Paleozoic marine invertebrates (brachiopods etc.), but
> >just can t seem to get inspired.
> >
> >The purpose of the activity is to show students what  real 
> geologists &
> >paleontologists do, in hopes of encouraging them to pursue careers in
> >science.  The limitations are that the activity can't be more than 50
> >minutes long, and can't be outside/field-based.
> >
> >I d love to hear of any ideas or past experiences &Thanks!
> >
> >Peg
>
> >Peg Yacobucci
> >
> >Assistant Professor
> >Bowling Green State University
> >Department of Geology
> >190 Overman Hall
> >Bowling Green, OH  43403
> >(419) 372-7982
>
>
> Thomas E. Yancey
> Dept. Geology & Geophysics, Texas A&M University
> College Station, Texas 77843-3115
> ph: 979-845-0643
> tyancey@tamu.edu
>
>
>