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Discussion Topic: Section 4: St George Dinosaur Discovery Site & Red Hills Desert Botanical Garden Fieldtrip InformationSection 4: St George Dinosaur Discovery Site & Red Hills Desert Botanical Garden Fieldtrip Information​
 Summarize​



St George Dinosaur Discovery Site Field Trip and Learning Activities   In April, we will be exploring school-community partnerships and exploring how to create science field trips for your future students. One of the sites we will be visiting is a local dinosaur museum. The St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm in St. George, Utah, is a fascinating museum that showcases a wealth of prehistoric fossils, including dinosaur tracks, bones, and footprints. The site is renowned for its preserved tracks of dinosaurs that roamed the area around 200 million years ago, offering an exceptional glimpse into the ancient world. Visitors can explore the museum's interactive exhibits, guided tours, and educational programs, making it an ideal destination for dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages.
School Activities:
  1. Dinosaur Track Excavation Activity: Students participate in a simulated excavation, uncovering fossilized dinosaur tracks using brushes and tools. This hands-on activity teaches students about the process of paleontology and the importance of preserving fossils.
  2. Fossil Casting Workshop: In this activity, students make their own fossil casts using plaster and molds of dinosaur tracks. It helps them understand the process of fossil formation and the significance of fossils in studying ancient life.
  3. Paleontology 101 Presentation: A museum expert leads students through a presentation about dinosaurs, paleontology, and the science of studying ancient life forms. This activity is designed to give students a deeper understanding of how fossils provide clues about Earth's history.
  4. Dinosaur Fossil Identification Game: Students are given different fossil replicas and tasked with identifying them based on characteristics. This fun and educational game enhances their knowledge of various prehistoric creatures and their features.
We will be visiting the museum's main building and surrounding exhibits. Here is what you need to do to be ready for your trip:
  1. I will plan on bringing all the resources you need for this field trip. However, you you want an early peek, you can access the museum's website by clicking the photo above or here: St George Dinosaur Discovery Site .
  2. You will be traveling to the St George Dinosaur Discovery Site. You can find directions here: Directions to the Dinosaur Museum . 
  3. We will be meeting at the museum's entrance at 12:40. It is okay to bring your lunch on this field trip. 
  4. After we complete all the dinosaur museum activities and complete our discussions, you will be creating a 1-2 minute video of your ideas on using dinosaur museums like this in your STEM lessons and school. 
  5. Post your video to this discussion thread by the end of the day on April 14th.  
Let me know if you have any questions about this field trip. I have included the rubric below. 
Optional Information About a Free Community Botanical Garden (many of you visited this last semester) While we are not going to the Red Hills Desert Botanical Garden this term, this is a fantastic and free community resource that schools and your students/families can visit to learn more about the region's diverse plants and how to conserve water in desert landscaping. The the dinosaur museum the Red Hills Desert Botanical Garden in St. George, Utah, is a stunning 17-acre preserve showcasing the beauty and diversity of the southwestern U.S. desert ecosystem. It features a wide variety of native plants, including cacti, desert shrubs, and wildflowers, all adapted to survive in the harsh desert environment. The garden provides educational opportunities for visitors to learn about desert ecology, conservation, and sustainable gardening, making it an excellent resource for nature enthusiasts and students alike.
School Activities:
  1. Desert Plant Identification Walk: Students embark on a guided tour to learn about the various native desert plants. This activity enhances their understanding of desert ecosystems and the unique adaptations that help plants survive in arid conditions.
  2. Water Conservation Demonstration: In this interactive session, students explore how desert plants conserve water and the importance of water-wise gardening. They gain valuable insights into sustainable gardening practices and how to reduce water usage in their own gardens.
  3. Planting Native Species: Students participate in planting native desert plants in the garden. This hands-on activity teaches students about the importance of native plants in supporting local wildlife and maintaining ecosystem balance.
  4. Desert Animal Habitat Exploration: Through observation and discussion, students learn about the animals that inhabit desert ecosystems and their reliance on specific plants. This activity highlights the interconnectedness of desert flora and fauna.
  
Resources & Directions for the Red Hills Botanical GardenWhile we are not going to the botanical garden this term, it has a lot of great resources and sample activities you can do with students and families. See the resources below for more information about this free community resource:


  • Website: Red Hills Desert Garden - This is the main website for the botanical garden and contains important information about the plant collection and community programs including school visits. 
  • Website: Utah Education Resource: Utah Ecosystems & Plants - This UEN resource contains information on Utah's diverse ecosystems and plants for intermediate students. However, the resources are useful for teachers as a guide at the lower grade levels as well. 
  • Website: USGS: Desert Habitats and Species at Risk - This educational resource from the United States Geological Service contains important information and resources on many of the unique and fragile desert habitats in this region. 
Let me know if you have any questions about our trip to the dinosaur museum or the information on the botanical garden above. ​

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