MAMMOTHS IN A TRUNK: TRAVELING RESOURCES FOR K-12 TEACHERS AND STUDENTS FROM THE MAMMOTH SITE OF HOT SPRINGS, SOUTH DAKOTA

The Mammoth Site, a world-class paleontological site, strives to provide life long learning opportunities through many educational modes of delivery. The Site provides a superlative setting for the delivery of multi grade level lessons, workshops, and course offerings. Programs are conducted on-site, in classrooms in a regional area, nationwide via traveling kits, and through distance learning videoconferencing. The Mission Statement states: The Mammoth Site was established in 1975 as a non-profit corporation to contribute to the scientific knowledge of Mammuthus and to continue ongoing expansion and advance educational programs to strengthen the overall educational emphasis of the Mammoth Site.

Onsite and outreach programs have been conducted for over 15 years at the Mammoth Site. Kindergarten through fifth grade traveling kits were developed over the last seven years. Middle School and High School traveling kits were developed in 2003-2004. These Mammoth In A Trunks kits are grade specific and free for educators to use, minus return shipping, and are complete with supplies. A security deposit, fully refundable when the kit returns, is required. Traveling kits enable teachers to instruct in their own classroom allowing students to perform the same activities and lessons we offer as on-site activities. Mammoth In A Trunk use has reached all 50 states with over 7,500 students participating in hands on activities through November 2005. The Mammoth In A Trunk represents a way for connecting and communicating with geographically dispersed individuals and groups.

For a program to be designed at the Mammoth Site, we identify a need for the program. We examine the quality of educational content of program, meet grade specific South Dakota Education Standards, pilot the program with regional educators, provide and review evaluations from every use.