Dinosaur & Fossil Class Experience
Fossil Preparatory Class
We are excited to offer a new Fossil Preparator Training Course. This course will meet for an entire day of sessions and will provide training in the basics of paleontology, fossil excavation, preparation, preservation, and curation.
These sessions will be taught by our experienced staff members and will cover the following topics:
- Learn the basic principles of paleontology and about the history of our museum and research project.
- Learn how to properly excavate and jacket fossils.
- Learn how to clean and stabilize fossils.
- Learn how to make fossil replicas.
- And learn the basics of our museum management system.
This is a rare opportunity to learn the science and process of dinosaur excavation and preparation! Whether you are a child interested in paleontology, a high schooler taking biology, a college student looking to build your resume or a retiree seeking a new hobby, this course is for you!
The course is just $200 for the entirety of the sessions and will be held on the campus of Southwestern Adventist University. Classes will be limited to 8 individuals per day of sessions and divided into youth (6 - 15) and adult sections (16 and over). Youth classes will be offered every second Sunday of each month, and adult classes will be offered every fourth Sunday of each month (some exceptions may apply for holidays). The session schedule is as follows:
- 9:00 am – 10:30 am: Introduction, an overview of the basics of paleontology, and a museum tour
- 10:30 am – 1:00 pm: Excavation and jacketing
- 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Lunch break
- 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Fossil preparation and replication
- 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Course exam; must pass to receive a certificate of completion
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8
Students per class
1
Day of sessions
$200
For the entire course
Commonly Asked Questions
How do I recieve my Fossil Preparator Certification?
At the end of the course, you will have the option to sit for the Fossil Preparator Certification Exam at no additional cost to your course fees. To pass, you will need to answer 70% of the questions correctly.
How old do I need to be in order to take the course?
The course is designed for individuals ages 13 and above. Children under 12 are welcome with an accompanying adult (parent does not have to pay unless they want to take the exam). A Junior Training Award will be given to children under the age of 10 if they complete the course. Children under the age of 10 will not have to sit for an exam.
