Backyard Science: A child's path into paleontology

Can we really make scientific discoveries in our own backyards?  Scientists such as Mary Anning have been doing just that for centuries, revealing the stories of science and paving the way for future scientific discovery. 

Collecting fossils near her home with her family as a child eventually led to Mary finding some of the very first specimens of plesiosaurs (at age 11!), ichthyosaurs, pterosaurs and more!

Does this rhyme written about Mary Anning sound familiar?

 

She sells seashells on the seashore

The shells she sells are seashells, I'm sure

So if she sells seashells on the seashore

Then I'm sure she sells seashore shells.

Selling fossils (ancient sea shells) to wealthy tourists, Mary is said to have worn an ammonite fossil on a cord around her neck.  Share Mary’s story with your little paleontologists, and then help them make their own fossil impression pendant:

1. Roll out some polymer clay and press some shells, leaves, or other natural materials into the clay to create an impression. [Make sure to first drill a hole in the pendant.]
2. After you create the perfect design, cook your ‘fossil’ in the oven at 275 degrees F for 15 minutes. 
3. Ask your paleontologists to hypothesize what will happen as a result of the heat (just as many rocks experience in the earth). 
4. Remove the fossil pendant and cool.
5. Have your paleontologists make observations about their creations…any changes?
6. Put a string through the hole and wear the fossil pendant like Mary Anning!
7. Discuss sedimentary rock and fossil formation! Visit http://www.amnh.org/ology/index.php?channel=paleontology for discussion ideas. 

Read more about this child paleontologist who paved the way for some BIG ideas, by getting her hands dirty and being persistent: Stone Girl Bone Girl (L. Anholt).

What discoveries are waiting to be found in your backyard?