Zone in on Ashfall Geology

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.4.13.4.A; SC.7.14.6.A; SC.8.14.7.A
NGSS: 2-ESS1-1; 4-ESS1-1; MS-ESS1-4

PROGRAM DURATION 
45 minutes

DESCRIPTION
Dead Zone, Skeleton Zone, Recovery Zone...volcanic ash, waterhole sand, stream carried sand. It's all in a day in the life of geology at Ashfall Fossil Beds, one of nature's most unique fossil discovery zones. Explore these discoveries with an expert.

There is so much more for geologists and paleontologists to study at Ashfall than just the intact fossil skeletons buried in volcanic ash. This is an in-depth exploration into the layering of sedimentary rock, differences in fossils found in the various layers, and clues that provide detailed information to paleontologists.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE
A 30-minute presentation plus 10-15 minutes for students to ask questions to the Ashfall paleontologist. The presentation is conducted in the Rhino Barn at Ashfall Fossil Beds, providing a first-hand view of the fossils and rock layers. We suggest that students first participate in the “Fossil Finds in Volcanic Ash” virtual program to become familiar with the details of the Ashfall story and the remarkable skeletons that are found at the site.