PENN DIXIE Site ranked 1st in Fossil Park rankings in United States
Photo coutesy of Penn Dixie
Seven U.S. fossil parks were investigated by Renee M. Clary1 and James H. Wandersee2 to determinate the possibilities to learn geology, paleontoogy and biology at each site: Hamburg, New York; Sylvania, Ohio; Rockford, Iowa, Sharonville, Ohio; Fossil, Oregon; Aurora, North Carolina and Republic, Washington.
Analysys proceeded through lived learning experiences, and included field notes, photographic records, informal conversations with park participants, brochures, and on-site signage and brochures.
The seven U.S. fossil parks were ranked against these variables according to their effectiveness as informal science education sites: informative previsit Web site, authentic collecting in situ, authentic collecting tools, fossil identification, and visitor education.
Also were considered authenticity of experience, age of fossils, fossil-collection training and facilities, availability of on-site paleontological mentors, fossil identification via signage and brochures, site organization and wayfinding signs, and accessibility of site, including safety.
The PENN DIXIE Fossil Site, in Hamburg, New York, turned out the Fossil Park that better did match the prementioned criteria.
The study: Geobiological opportunities to learn at U.S. fossil parks
More info about Penn Dixie site: Penn Dixie Paleontological and Outdoor Education Center
PaleoNature field experience in Penn Dixie: Mom, There is a Trilobite in My Sandwich!!!
1) Department of Geosciences, Mississippi State University, P.O. Box 5448, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762, USA
2) Department of Educational Theory, Policy, and Practice, Louisiana State University, Peabody 223F, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, USA
Thanks to Jerold C. Bastedo, Executive Director at Penn Dixie Paleontological and Outdoor Education Center