Dinosaur Science Project
Originally, in 1842, the word dinosaur was coined by Richard Owen to mean "fearfully great, a lizard." Since then the term has typically been taken to mean "terrible lizard." However, the more we study the bones, the more we realize that these were truly amazing and wonderful and "fearfully great" creatures.
For a number of years, Southwestern Adventist University has been conducting a dinosaur excavation research project in the Lance Formation of eastern Wyoming.
We are quarrying in an extremely rich bone bed finding the remains of a number of upper Cretaceous dinosaurs. The project provides exciting experience in the quarrying techniques and the joy of discovery for everyone that participates.
The primary research purpose is a taphonomic study of the deposit. Taphonomy is that aspect of paleontology that is concerned with how the remains became fossilized; this is, how the creatures died and their bones became part of the fossil record. In short, we wish to learn how this assemblage of remains came about.
In order to reach this primary taphonomic research purpose it is essential to locate, carefully record the exact location, and identify each bone that is found, then to excavate and stabilize each for transport to the lab for additional preservation and study. A number of exciting techniques that have not been utilized before or in combination make this project a state-of-the-art research effort:
- Use of high precision GPS equipment to measure and record the location of each bone
- GIS software to analyze and produce an integrated picture of each quarry
- A web-based fossil catalog so that the results may be available for researchers world-wide
The Dinosaur Project optionally offers college credit hours to students who may earn four semester hours of college lab science credit by registering for the corresponding class. Teachers may earn Professional Development credits.
We welcome all interested participants: those with paleontology experience; those without any excavation experience; students; teachers; all humans!
2021 Expedition
Thursday, June 3 through Friday, July 2
Leave Keene, travel by van to Wyoming, then return at the end.
Or meet the group at the project site!
We will be on-site on Friday, June 4 until Thursday, July 1, 2021.
Class activities will begin Monday morning, June 7.
Wednesday, June 30 is our last day in the quarries.
Travel
The Dinosaur Project is located on a private cattle ranch in eastern Wyoming. The closest town is Newcastle, Wyoming.
The Black Hills in South Dakota are visible from camp, and within easy driving distance from the site are a number of natural wonders, parks, and museums.
Experience
The project operates out of a fine camp, Camp Cretaceous, built and maintained by the Hanson Research Station. The facilities include a building with electricity and water, and, therefore, hot water, showers, and toilet facilities as well as kitchen and meeting room. We also have a satellite Internet connection, primarily for project use, but also permits participants to make limited contact with the 21st century.
Participation
The Dinosaur Project welcomes a broad cross-section of participants.
A major goal of the project is to learn answers to scientific questions.
But perhaps the most important goal is to provide an educational experience for students, teachers, and other interested people who feel comfortable with a Christian lifestyle and are open to considering ideas of origins other than the traditional evolutionary paradigm.
Any Interested Person
The project welcomes any interested person to experience the opportunity to find and excavate a fossil that has never before been seen by any human. You may come for a day, two days, a week, or any time including the entire four-week season.
Youth Groups
We have developed a three or four day Dinosaur Mini-Camp experience for groups of young people. We welcome church groups, school groups, and any other group of young people that wish to avail themselves of the opportunity to study nature and do science.
College/University Students
Four semester hours of university undergraduate laboratory science credit from Southwestern Adventist University may be earned during the four-week excavation season by any college or university student including those that have just graduated from High School.
Or any college or university student is welcome to come for non-credit experience for a few days up to the entire four-week excavation season.
High School Juniors and Seniors
There is a special program for interested and qualified High School juniors and seniors (students who have completed their sophomore or junior year but have not yet graduated from High School) to earn four semester hours of university laboratory science from Southwestern Adventist University during the four-week excavation season.
Or any motivated and mature high school student is welcome to come for non-credit experience.
Teachers
Elementary, secondary, and university teachers may earn four semester hours of undergraduate university laboratory science from Southwestern Adventist University during the four-week excavation season.
Four semester hours of graduate Education are also available for teachers.
Or any teacher is welcome to come for non-credit experience.
