Students identify fossils in the National History Museum’s Research Laboratory.
The Wallace Middle School sixth grade boys discovered their “wild” side with a fossil adventure five million years in the making. On Friday, November the 18th, the boys discovered the Gray Fossil Site Natural History Museum that was formed by the collapse of an underground limestone cave. Scientists believe the collapse formed a sinkhole that was used as a watering hole by animals from near and far. The site was a thriving ecosystem at the end of the Miocene Epoch, about 4.5 to 7 million years ago. The sixth grade boys toured the ongoing fossil excavation site and experienced hands-on wet screening. They participated in the interactive Miocene and Microbes Exhibit and identified fossils in an active research lab. The field trip was a great learning success and was enjoyed by the sixth grade boys.
The boys would like to thank museum staff members Meredith, Sarah, and Kevin for providing information about the displays, being patient, and making their visit fun.