Paleontology

 

 

Overview
Anza Borrego Desert State Park is home to the world class Stout Research Center Paleontology Lab where fossilized remains of extinct animals like mammoths and saber toothed cats are prepared, documented and cared for to be used by scientists all over the world.

The Paleontology Unit of Study will introduce your students to the geologic processes that formed the Salton Trough and the Borrego Badlands. These sedimentary landforms contain rich fossil deposits.  They tell a story of dramatically different landscapes and the biologic ecosystems that existed throughout the  recent Ice Age time period.  The riverine and floodland deposits of the badlands contain some of the most unique creatures to ever inhabit North America.  The powerpoint lessons will show your students what goes into the process of discovering, preparing and preserving such important pieces of history.

The lessons will prepare your students for a video conference with park staff.  During your live "safari" your students can see first-hand, the fossil discoveries being made.  Through an interactive lesson they will be able to try out their paleontology skills and ask questions they have about fossils and the science of Paleontology. Another videoconference option takes your students on a Virtual tour of the incredible landforms that show the geologic history of the Park.

Grade Level-Middle/High School

Subject-Biology & Earth Science

Unit Length-Three to Four 50-minute class periods.

Educational Contributors-Anne Bogardt, Borrego Springs HS Science teacher
                                               LuAnn Thompson, CA K-12 Certified Teacher