Fossils

Does physical history fascinate you?

Fossils are a way to see, learn, and speculate who and what was here before us! Club members have recommended several regional fossil resources, relative subjects and search terms to guide in exploration.

Subjects relative to fossils:

History
- Archaeology
- Anthropology
- Paleontology
- Social Studies
Science
- Biology
  - Paleobiology
- Chemistry
  - Organic Chemistry
- Earth Science
  - Geology
  - Mineralogy
- Forensic Science
Art
- Lapidary Art
- Fabrication
- Sculpture
- Photography
- Graphic Design
Technology
- 3D Modeling
- Cartography

Lapidary Art

Minerals

Back to Learn More

Key search terms:

fossil
amber
ammolite
dendritic quartz
dinosaur bone
petrified wood
archaeology
anthropology
paleontology
paleobiology
carbon dating

Tools for fossil prospecting:

rock pick hammer
chisel set
shovel
gloves
safety glasses
loupe (or microscope)

Careers involved with fossils:

archaeologist
anthropologist
paleontologist
biologist
chemist
geologist
mineralogist
forensic scientist
teacher
historian
museum curator
lapidary artist
fabrication artist
sculptor
photographer
graphic designer
3D model maker
salesperson

Resource

Education

Carnegie Museum of Natural History:
- Paleontology
Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History:
- Department of Paleobiology
- The Burgess Shale
  - Fossils that changed views on evolution.
YupRocks.com
- Rock, mineral, fossil, and earthquake photos that can be used for the educational purpose of “Mineral Identification.”

Fossil

Organizations

Dry Dredgers
- “The oldest, continuously-operating fossil club in North America.”
AMFS Clubs per State
- If you’re not in the Pittsburgh, PA region, find a fossil/mineral club near you!
EFMLS Clubs by Map
- If you’re not in the Pittsburgh, PA region, find a mineral club near you (in the Eastern USA Region)!