A Study of Informal Geobiology Learning Opportunities at US Fossil Parks

CNN, in June 2003, reported news of an innovative, informal geoscience educational experience: The Fossil Park at Sylvania, Ohio. Sylvania's was one of three unique US fossil parks identified in the article that move beyond exhibiting fossils in native strata and museums, to allowing visitors to collect and keep the fossils they find. Penn-Dixie Paleontological Park (Hamburg, NY) and Rockford Fossil and Prairie Park (Rockford, IA) also allow visitors to collect fossils at their sites. While all three parks are Devonian in age, site characteristics, presentation, and public access to the fossils varies in each park. At each of these innovative outdoor science centers, the researchers availed themselves of the full visitor experience, collected fossils, and observed other visitors. Their systematic evaluation of each fossil park resulted in the determination and synthesis of the most effective educational elements into an optimal model of fossil park design. Very marked differences existed among the three fossil parks, including authenticity of experience; publicity and ease of access; fossil collection methods; site organization, facilities, personnel, and geological mentors; and interpretation and identification of fossils procured. Analysis of the data led to a much-needed model that can be used to develop effective fossil parks that optimize visitor experiences. The study also yielded a geoscience learning inventory that is potentially helpful to geoscience educators who wish to utilize such fossil parks. This inventory was applied to a newer, fourth US fossil park to demonstrate its application.