Can’t make it to Penn Dixie? We’ll bring the fossils to you! Penn Dixie offers interactive programs that explore the wonders of geology and paleontology, and engage participants through experiential learning. Each participant will also receive their own identified and labeled fossil.
Outreach Pricing
— Daytime —
$150 per program
$125 per additional program on the same day
— Evening —
Start time of 5 pm or later
$175 per program
$150 per additional program on the same evening
An additional mileage fee will be added for round trip travel.
Capacity & Program Length:
30 participants / 45-60 minutes
For groups over 30 participants but under 45 participants, an additional fee of $5 per person will be added. For groups with 45 or more participants an additional program will need to be booked.
Outreach Programs
Dinos (Recommended for PreK-1st grade)
Even though Penn Dixie does not have dinosaur fossils, it’s fun to expand our fossil knowledge to these “terrible lizards”! Discover what it takes to be a real paleontologist, from the field to the laboratory. Participants will see some real dinosaur specimens from our collection and get to take home a piece of history.
Paleo Art (Recommended for 2nd-8th grade)
In this lesson that combines science and art, participants will use the fossils of Penn Dixie as clues to construct the past while creating an artist’s view of an ancient environment. Participants infer what the animals at Penn Dixie may have looked like when they were alive based on what they know about today’s ocean life. We’ll work together and use our imaginations as we draw these prehistoric creatures.
Fossils, Fossils Everywhere! (Recommended for 2nd grade and up)
This program teaches about the amazing diversity of fossils, and the different ways in which they form. We will examine fossils from all over the world and learn how scientists categorize them to help us understand these discoveries better.
Fossils: Clues to the Past (Recommended for 3rd grade and up)
In this inquiry-based lesson, participants will learn the basics of fossils and fossilization. Participants will act as paleontologists and gain firsthand experience with fossils commonly found around WNY. Your group will use deductive reasoning to understand ancient animals and infer prehistoric environments from the fossils.
Customized Programs (can be adapted to all ages)
Are you interested in a topic in geology, paleontology or astronomy that you don’t see listed? We are happy to work with you to present an age-appropriate and engaging lesson for your group! Please contact us to discuss possible options.
Dig In! (Recommended for 3rd grade and up)
Please note: Dig In covers the same content as Fossils: Clues to the Past, but is designed for you to keep all components so that you may continue or recreate the lesson in the future!
During this outreach program, a Penn Dixie educator facilitates the hands-on exploration of WNY’s ancient environment while discussing the animals that lived in our area 380 million years ago during the Devonian Period. Participants will also learn the fundamentals of fossils and fossilization.
Program capacity:
Dig In can be booked for up to 32 participants at a time. If group size is larger than 32 people, an additional program(s) will need to be booked. One dig box is suitable for up to four people. Dig box dimensions: 5 inches high, 8.25 inches wide, 13.5 inches long.
Pricing:
For groups of 16 participants or less: $200 (Plus mileage)
For groups of 17 – 32 participants: $250 (Plus mileage)
For evening programs with a start time of 5 pm or later, an additional $25 charge will be added.
Astronomy Programs (Recommended for 2nd grade and up)
See the stars with our trained astronomer(s) – our hit Stargazing in Hamburg program comes to you! Includes one telescope set up with necessary viewing attachments, 1 astronomer, and 1 educator for 2 hours for $250 (+ mileage). For an additional $50 create an astronomy themed make-and-take.
*The program can take place at any time of the year, barring rain or cloud coverage. The outdoor area must be free of or have minimal light pollution and tree coverage to optimize the field of view.
Community and Tabling Events
Rates: $125 per hour + mileage
2 hour minimum, 4 hour maximum.
Let Penn Dixie bring fossils to your school or community event! Your group will explore earth science through hands-on experiences that engage learners of all ages. All programs have hands-on activities and focus on the geologic history of Western New York, the evolution of life, and the wonders of fossils!
Ideal for STEAM/Science Nights and community gatherings. Includes a free child admission coupon for Penn Dixie, and a souvenir fossil for each participant
Use the form below to book an outreach program! Or you can email our science program coordinator Robin at robin@penndixie.org or call 716-627-4560, with questions or to book.
