PALS- -A MUSEUM-BASED COMMUNITY EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIP

Although Carnegie Museum of Natural History boasts one of the finest collections of dinosaurs in the world, this century-old institution, located in the heart of the type Pennsylvanian, has yet to fully explore or exploit its geographic location and geologic heritage for educational and exhibit purposes. Beginning in 2003, the Section of Invertebrate Paleontology initiated a collaborative association with the community known as PAlS (Patrons and lauradanae Supporters). This organization is designed to educate the public about the geology and paleontology of the region, and to bring together students, teachers, and professionals interested in exploring the geologic history of the area. Nominal membership fees are utilized for the printing of general geology guides to public parks and geological features of the region, and for funding three annual events. On a winter Saturday a lunch and lecture dealing with some aspect of the region's geology or paleontology are scheduled. Past topics have included the geologic history of the region and geology of the Ice Age. During the spring, a workshop, known as Junior Paleontologist for a Day, is conducted for school children to identify fossils and prepare and construct their own fossil kits. In the fall, a field trip is run to explore particular aspect of the regions geology, with time set aside for fossil collecting. These activities have engendered a high level of enthusiasm and interest that have flooded the Section of Invetebrate Paleontology with volunteers who are not only interested in learning more, but also are willing and wanting to donate time and effort to enlarge and broaden the program.