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Dr. Steve Nicklas
Gainesville State College, Georgia
768-316-4983
Office #159
Steve12@windstream.net
Course Description
This course
is an introduction to archaeological/paleontological field work. The
two sites are located near New Castle, Wyoming and Buffalo, South Dakota. The
Wyoming site is in the Lance Formation and dates to about 67 million years BP.
It contains four different articulated dinosaurs as well as a very large
deposit of scientifically important plant fossils. The South Dakota
site, which is in the 65 million year old Hell Creek Formation, was discovered
last summer by a Gainesville State College student, Bart Forster. The site,
which was partially excavated last season, is extremely important. It
consists of a semi articulated adult Tyrannosaurus Rex that is eroding out of
the side of a large hillside. The goal this coming summer is to determine how
much bone material extends into the hill and how much has already eroded
away.
By definition, these sites are paleontological and not
archaeological; however, we will be utilizing archaeological and
paleontological field methods during the course of the excavation. Why?
Because of the importance of the sites, one of which contains the first known
lake bed from the Cretaceous. Archaeological field recording will be
utilized because of the more exact nature of the measurements taken in
archaeological field work.
The scientific goals of the project are to excavate the
remaining fossils from the sites, and to record their location in the matrix
as accurately as possible. This will require extensive photography and
mapping of recovered specimens. In addition, each natural layer of stratigraphy will be fully described and sampled.
Course Objectives
During the course of this project participating GSC students will become
familiar with all utilized archaeo/paleo field methods and proficient in as many as
possible. They will experience firsthand a paleontological field excavation
– not just as a laborer, but as an important team member. When the
project is over they will know if field work is their calling.
In addition to the excavation itself, the region is rich in
history and local culture (Native as well as Western American). There
will be some allotted time for the students to explore as well as a trip to
Rapid City and the Black Hills.
Required Text
Because of the unique hybrid nature of this project a site specific
excavation manual will be produced and provided to all students at no charge.
Course Evaluation
Grades will be based 50% on the student’s task related performance in
the field, 30% on a ten (10) page paper submitted within 20 days of the
completion of the project and 20% on their attitude and participation.
Disobedience
Unlike other academic situations in classrooms, disobedience in the Bad Lands
of South Dakota can have EXTREME consequences – like death. Students
will be expected to follow orders, if not they will fail the class and be on
the next flight back to Georgia. Heat stroke and rattlesnakes are a real and
present danger!
Dates
We will meet at 1:00 PM Sunday the 1st of July, 2011 at the Rapid City
airport (Baggage Claim). Transportation will be provided to New Castle,
Wyoming, where we will be staying for the first week. Transportation will
then be provided from New Castle to Buffalo and then to the airport on the last
day of the project (July 14th). For additional information on what to
expect see the following web site: www.paleoprospectors.com.
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