Libraries Rock!
Remember the thrill of holding your first fossil? It can be a life-changing experience.
Thirty eight young, would-be paleontologists between the ages of 3 and 11 years old gathered at the Penrose Community Library in June to learn about and examine fossils, many found beneath our feet in Fremont County.
Fossil Day at the Penrose Community Library
Ammonite Station with Christina Taylor
Trilobite Station with Loretta Bailey
Goldbelt Byway Station with Mary Chamberlain
Students visited three stations at the library:
- Trilobite Station – noting the delicate differences in trilobite tails and genal spines (those long spikes hanging down from the head)
- Ammonite Station – comparing the size and number of ribs and nodes (bumps) on a variety of ammonites
- Geology of the Goldbelt Byway Station – learning how to properly collect, document, and care for fossil finds using the free BLM journal
Many children used a loupe (magnifier) for the first time. A highlight was receiving their very own fossil at the end of the day.
Parents shared in the enthusiasm for nature’s ancient critters; several said this was one of the best, most powerful program they had attended in the Libraries Rock program.
Under the expertise of Stones ‘n Bones members Mary Chamberlain, Loretta Bailey, and Christina Taylor, children and their parents explored fossil anatomy, discovering and appreciating the subtle distinguishing characteristics which identify various fossil species.
Stones ‘n Bones thanks Leah Bosley, the Children’s Librarian, for the opportunity to share our passion for fossils with our community’s youth.
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