Fossils

​Does physical history fascinate you?

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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.

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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

Key search terms:

• fossil

• amber

• ammolite

• dendritic quartz

• dinosaur bone

• petrified wood

• archaeology

• anthropology

• paleontology

• paleobiology

• carbon dating

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Tools for fossil prospecting:​

• rock pick hammer

• chisel set

• shovel

• gloves

• safety glasses

• loupe (or microscope)

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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!