THE PALEOLANDS PLESIOSAUR PROJECT: HANDS-ON K-12 LEARNING THROUGH RESEARCH, ART, AND EXHIBIT-BUILDING

Tactile, research-based experiences with tangible outcomes are important components in successful place-based learning. The Oregon Paleo Lands Institute works closely with schools to develop professional-level exhibits and other tangible products that engage students with geology just outside their doors, and empower them to share this knowledge with their community. In 2008-09, we worked with the K-12 Mitchell (Oregon) School to bring a Cretaceous plesiosaur, whose partial skull was found about 30 km from the school, back to “life” through developing an exhibit, including a 12-foot metal sculpture, and a book written and illustrated by students, in partnership with scientists, artists, and teachers. The project was based upon a detailed plan, ensuring that both in-class and field-based work met Oregon’s objectives, outcomes, and guidelines with specific project goals, and was fully integrated with classroom learning. Grades 3, 4 and 5 conducted field research on the Cretaceous marine sediments to define the source of near-shore sediments and velocity of currents, engaging their math and science skills and writing skills. Art and biology lessons included sculpting models of Cretaceous sea-floor fauna. High school biology integrated plesiosaurs into both evolution and anatomy. The Vocational-Agriculture shop class produced a ½-scale metal replica of a similar plesiosaur, with expert welding and paleontological assistance by metal artist Larry Williams. The end result: a 12-foot long, anatomically accurate metal sculpture, a model of the sea floor, including sediment and fauna, a book about this plesiosaur and its environment, and a community engaged with paleontology. This exhibit for the Paleo Lands Field Center is a source of student, community and school pride. The exhibit will remain at OPLI’s Field Center through June, 2011, and will return to the Mitchell school and community after that.