CSI: JURASSIC; DINOSAUR ACADEMY

The Big Horn Basin Foundation’s Dinosaur Academy is an academic program for high school students, designed to explore major components of the natural sciences through practical applications in the field of paleontology. Established by Dave Lovelace, PhD in 2007, this week long program encompasses components of biology, anatomy, geology, chemistry, physics and mathematics through firsthand experiences in field and lab paleontology, which requires knowledge in all of these fields. Participants work alongside trained paleontologists in an active quarry, recording detailed observations and performing essential mapping techniques, utilizing brunton compasses and Total Station technologies. Additional work occurs in the Wyoming Dinosaur Center’s preparation lab, as participants prepare dinosaur bones for museum research, collection and display. Tours of the museum’s collections and field trips to natural landmarks in the Big Horn Basin of Wyoming are included as part of the curriculum. After a week of field experience, students earn two earth science credits through Central Wyoming College, in addition to future opportunities for internships and additional training through the Big Horn Basin Foundation and the Wyoming Dinosaur Center.