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Volunteer!
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Interested in Paleontology?
Did you know:
- More
dinosaur remains have been recovered in Alabama than any other
eastern state.
- Half the history of complex life forms on Earth is recorded
in Alabama rocks.
- The
University of Alabama has one of the largest fossil collections
in the southeastern United States.
The Alabama Museum of Natural History offers the following short
classes to provide primary training to the Museum's Paleontology
Volunteers. The classes are offered free of charge, according to
demand, during days, nights, and weekends. Volunteers must be 16
years of age and are required to follow the Museum's Guidelines
Governing Paleontological Workers. We ask that all volunteers contribute
50 hours in the laboratory or 25 hours in the field, per year. In
some cases modified versions of the classes can be taken for credit
at The University of Alabama.
Introduction to Paleontology
One 4 hour lecture. Prerequisite for all other classes. Basics of
geology, biology, and ethics as they apply to paleontology. Limited
to 12 participants.
Laboratory Orientation
One 3 hour lecture/lab tour. Required for all lab volunteers. Overview
of lab and collections safety, organization, data management, and
basic prep. techniques. Limited to 6 participants.
Laboratory Techniques
Minimum of 20 hours on various projects. Required for Lab Supervisors.
Minimum age 18. Instruction and completion of projects in: data
management, specimen identification, specimen processing, chemical
preparation, micropaleontology, and casting.
Field Orientation
One 1 day field trip. Required for all field volunteers. Basics
of surface collection, specimen identification, data collection,
and field safety. Due to variable field conditions participants
should be in good health. Limited to 6 participants.
Field Techniques
Minimum of two days in lecture/lab/field training. Required for
Field Supervisors. Minimum age 18. Basics of the following as they
apply to field paleontology: stratigraphy of Alabama (emphasis on
the Cretaceous), use of geologic maps, land navigation using topographic
maps and GPS, proper record keeping, and excavation. Due to variable
field conditions participants should be in good health. Limited
to 6 participants.
For more information contact:
Judy Hamilton
jhamilto@aalan.ua.edu
205-348-0534
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