AN INTRODUCTION TO PALEONTOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES FOR COLLECTING, PREPARING, AND DISPLAYING FOSSILS FOR UNDERGRADUATES

Few students pursuing an education in paleontology ever receive hands-on training in the management of fossils, putting them at a disadvantage in graduate school where they are expected to have some knowledge of field and lab procedures. Through exposure to lab and field settings, students can learn the important techniques necessary in fossil management that will better prepare them for any career in paleontology. An opportunity became available at the University of Delaware, where a forgotten specimen was incorporated into a hands-on learning tool. In the spring of 2005, a specimen identified as a dinosaur consisting of 10 pieces in poor condition ranging in size from 9.5 to 62.2 cm in length was rescued from the basement of the University of Delaware Geology Department. The bones were used as a tool to provide a hands-on lab experience for students interested in paleontology. Students were instructed on tools, adhesives, and chemicals used in a lab setting. Tools included dentist picks, an air scribe, and a dremel tool. Adhesives used were Paleobond© and Vinac. Working under an experienced preparator, students engaged in learning fossil preparation, which was strictly hands-on and problem based. Students were also instructed in basic dinosaur anatomy, paleoecology, and fossilization. Other fossils varying in their states of preservation were presented to the students as well as an introduction to different methodologies needed for various types of specimens. Along with this work, students experienced field work by collecting fossils in Sewell, NJ which they took back to the lab and prepared themselves. Students had opportunities to learn how fossils are mounted through presentations and field trips. Other professional groups such as the Delaware Mineral Society were invited to bring their knowledge of the field to the classroom. The overall goal was to give students an opportunity to do hands on field and lab work that would better prepare them for a future career in paleontology. By the end of the course, students were able to identify at least two of the dinosaur bones using literary comparisons and their own background knowledge of dinosaur anatomy. They were given the opportunity to give short lectures to graduate school students on how the lab is run as well as background information about paleontology and geology.