Summer Classes
Jr. Paleontology Program
This educational simulated excavation for “Junior Paleontologists” ages 4-12 is held 7 days a week at The Mammoth Site from June 1st through August 15th. Sessions are 12 pm and 2 pm daily.
Paleontological excavation techniques are taught, including the identification of replica mammoth and giant short-faced bear fossils. Wear appropriate clothing as participants may get dirty. A parent or guardian must stay in The Mammoth Site Education Building during the program with seating available near the dig box. Photos and filming are encouraged. Participants bring home a fossil identification booklet and a Jr. Paleontologist completion certificate.
Participants are required to attend the Museum’s 30-minute self-guided tour before the Jr. Dig. On the tour participants learn the Site’s history, learn how the fossils were excavated, and why they are preserved.
The Jr. Paleontologist Program fee for each child is $11.06 plus tax. Regular Museum admission is not included in the Junior Paleontologist Excavation fee.
Participants are required to attend the Museum’s 30-minute self-guided tour before the Jr. Dig. On the tour participants hear the Site’s history, learn how the fossils were excavated, and why they are preserved.
Family Dig Program
The Family Dig is a paleontology class designed for the whole family. This class is held 7 days a week at The Mammoth Site from June 1st through August 15th. Sessions are 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 2 pm.
In this class, families will work together to excavate fossils in a simulated dig site. Lead by a qualified guide, participants will learn how paleontologists discover and excavate a site, using the same tools we use in the Bonebed. Families will learn why we excavate fossils, how we preserve fossils, and what fossils can tell us about a changing world. This class is a hands-on experience excavating and jacketing fossils, creating a jacket shell you can take home as an educational souvenir, along with an informational notebook and certificate. Please note that this is a simulated dig where participants will be in the dirt and mixing plaster, and may get dirty.
The Family Dig price is $48 plus tax per family. At least one parent/guardian is required per family with a maximum of 6 participants per reservation. Regular Museum admission is not included in the Family Dig Program fee.
Family Ice Age Hunt
This class is for participants 8 and older. Weather permitting, this class is held 7 days a week at The Mammoth Site from June 1st through August 15th. Sessions are held daily at 10 am and 3. Closed-toe shoes are required.
The Mammoth Site’s Family Ice Age Hunt explores the early ways humans hunted. Atlatls, or spear-throwers, have been found across the world. In this class, participants will learn what an atlatl is, why it was used, and how humans and Ice Age animals, like mammoths, interacted. Participants will then get to try their hand at throwing darts, using atlatls, at replica targets.
The price is $11.06 plus tax per person. Regular Museum admission is not included in the Family Ice Age Hunt fee.
Book ahead of time to ensure that you get the class you want! Want to learn more about our summer programs? Click here or call us at 605-745-6017.