Dig Site project

sub floor being installed

Virtual docent video screen mock-up

Floor joist 2x6

Conceptual drawing of new Dig site gallery in situation.

Core Idea:

This area will be set in a natural environment simulating fossil prospecting and excavation sites 
in the badlands of Montana. The area will reflect what the Cretaceous Diorama would look 
like in a modern times excavation. The environment will have fossils that are visible and 
touchable to the general public. Throughout the site will be various horizontal outcroppings 
that have fossils buried under matrix. Along the south wall will be 2 small raised excavation 
areas and one larger excavation area on the floor. On the west side will be one larger 
excavation area that is large enough for several people to work on (this side will also have space
 beneath for straight approach access for wheelchairs). We will use casts of fossils (specimens
 from prep lab and WOODY), footprints (Bambiraptor), other trace fossils and microsites to 
match the scene in the Cretaceous Diorama. A matching footprint floor story will be added later.

To the north side (under the diorama) will be an alcove with fossils covered in shredded tires for
 younger visitors and their parents to uncover. The fossils in this area will be tethered or attached 
so the children can physically pick them up to investigate.    

The covering for the fossils will be some mix of sand/pebble/wax (exact matrix will be determined 
after testing).  A tray system will catch the matrix as it’s removed from the casts and then move
 the matrix into the gallery office behind the digsite. Staff can collect the matrix, reconstitute it 
and re-cover the casts. Visitor will uncover the fossils using simple soft scraping tools along with
 protective goggles or glasses.  Since we want visitors to be able to interact with this area even 
when it’s not staffed, we’ll design accessible covers for some of the workstations where people
 can reach through and somewhat uncover the specimen even when not staffed, however there
 will be stanchions built into the walls to close the area off when needed.  We will also develop
 extensions through IPAD and the use of VR Codes.

 

1. Existing Exhibit /Program Connection(s):

Current programs and program types that correlate to the content and experience of the digsite include:

Relationships to other parts of the gallery will be made through the interactive
 touchscreen tables. Stories from paleontologists including our own Paleotrek
 paleontologist Dr. David Burnham (who prepared and helped interpret Bambiraptor)
 and Gene Woodford who found WOODY will be used.

·     Paleontology specific programming for the area will be designed for school groups.

·     Adults: Lectures, Science Cafés, SciFest sessions and Master Preparator Certificate, 
Science Adventure Travel: Paleotrek, Fossils Around Town

·     School, Scout and Public Programs: SSB, Practical Paleontology, Geologist Badge

·     Master Preparator certificate program will have one session about molding and casting fossils.
 We will use the resulting casts as replacements for specimens in the digsite when needed.

2. Content/Science discipline(s): Earth Sciences-Paleontology
3. Educational Objectives: After Participating in the Dig Site Visitors Will Be Able To:

·       State that prospecting and excavating are the first steps to discovering and studying fossils.

·       Describe at least 2 methods/tools scientists use to prospect and excavate fossils.

4. Target Audience: Families with children (median age 8)
5. Schedule/Timeframe: Installation finished by June 13, 2012.