Fossil Finds in Volcanic Ash

AVAILABILITY
Virtual Field Trips with Ashfall Fossil Beds can be scheduled between mid-March to mid-November.

AUDIENCE
Grades 3-8
General Audience

STANDARDS SUPPORTED
NCCRS-Science: SC.3.7.2.B; SC.4.13.4.A; SC.8.10.5.A
NGSS: 3-LS4-1; MS-LS4-1

PROGRAM DURATION 
30 minutes

DESCRIPTION
Get a close-up view of the amazing fossils found at Ashfall Fossil Beds! Explore fossil discoveries and "step" into the fossil bed to get a first-hand look at some of the rhino, horse, and camel skeletons found there. Learn about the volcano in southwest Idaho that blanketed the north central area of Nebraska with glassy volcanic ash 12 million years ago, how this catastrophic event resulted in the death of much of the wildlife, and how their fossil remains were discovered and continue to be researched.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE
An educator will take tour participants into the Hubbard Rhino Barn, a unique site that maintains the complete fossil skeletons of prehistoric rhinos, horses and other wildlife right where they were found, in the volcanic ash. Through examination of Ashfall fossils, participants learn more about paleontology and geology. Time is left for plenty of questions!