EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
BEHIND-THE-SCENES
1
Research your location
Study geological maps and research areas known for fossil deposits. Different rock formations yield different types of fossils.
2
Look for sedimentary rocks
Fossils are primarily found in sedimentary rocks like limestone, shale and sandstone. Avoid igneous and metamorphic formations.
3
Your eyes are the best tool!
Humans are the most advanced pattern recognition machines on the planet, we’re amazing at finding things! If you can find shells on a beach you can find fossils in rocks, just look for organic, smooth shapes in rocky, angular matrix.
4
Everything is not a nail!
Hammering is a high energy and destructive method and should only be used in the appropriate situation. Your hands are often all you need to work softer rock.
5
Fossils are everywhere!
Next time you are in a town or city take a close look at the stonework of older buildings, you’d be surprised at what you might see…
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Geological hammer
Collection bags & wrapping
Field notebook & camera
Safety goggle & gloves
Brushes & dental picks
Geological hammer
Essential for breaking rocks and extracting specimens
Collection bags & wrapping
Safely transport specimens without damage
Field notebook & camera
Document location, conditions and initial observations
Safety goggle & gloves
Protect eyes from rock fragments and hands from sharp edges
Brushes & dental picks
For delicate cleaning and removing sediment from fossils