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| The Paleontologists In Training (PIT) Crew is an educational program provided by the Education Committee of the Dallas Paleontological Society (DPS). The aim of the program is to provide an engaging introduction to the science of paleontology to our DPS members aged 5 to 15. Participation in PIT Crew requires a Family Membership in the DPS, and an enthusiasm for prehistory, fossils, and paleontology. There are two levels of participation in PIT Crew. The Paleo Pups program is aimed at children of preschool and Kindergarten ages. Youths aged 7 through 15 will participate as P.I.T. Crew Members. |
Contact information below picture.
Paleontologists In Training
The PIT Crew
The PIT Crew is the educational outreach program of the Dallas Paleontological Society (DPS).Membership in PIT Crew is a benefit of a Family Level Membership in DPS for ages 4 through 15.
The Mission
The PIT Crew engages members in an immersive paleontological program of hands-on fieldwork, educational workshops, and professional site visits.
We believe that PIT Crew should be a family activity. For this reason, and for reasons of liability, at least one parent or guardian, 18 years of age or older, must attend PIT Crew events with their child.
There are two levels of the PIT Crew program:
Paleo Pups (ages 4-6)
Paleo Pups is a new project designed especially for our youngest members. Pups will participate in projects and activities designed to introduce them to the basics of paleontology and fossils. Pups will join the Field Agents for parent-assisted fossil hunting and other activities.
Field Agents (ages 7-15)
Field Agents will explore prehistory through paleontology and learn about geology, stratigraphy, the geologic time scale, and rock formations. Field Agents participate in three types of educational adventures:
Classroom Style - Lessons from professional scientists and knowledgeable amateurs in biology, paleontology, geology, and more.
Fieldwork - Finding, collecting, identifying, and cataloging fossils, field journaling, and record-keeping.
In Situ Trips - From Latin, "in situ" translates literally to "on site," or "in position." In paleontology, it is used to describe a specimen in the situation in which it was formed or deposited. The PIT Crew will be visiting professional geologists and paleontologists at their workplace, as they are naturally found, in situ. Meeting and observing the professional in the workplace offers a valuable insight into the actual day-to-day work of the professional geologist or paleontologist.
Meeting (Adventure) Location and Scheduling
The PIT Crew does not have a set meeting location. We will meet at the location necessary for that day's adventure, be it a classroom or field location. Our adventures take us all over the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, and occasionally beyond. Dates and times of meetings are set as necessary for the activity. We will schedule at least one adventure per month, most on Saturdays. Some months, we may have the opportunity for more than one adventure, and during the summer, some weekday adventures may be possible. PIT Crew members are not required to attend all adventures but are encouraged to come to as many as they can.
Are You Ready to Join the PIT Crew?
For more information contact:
Joseph O'Neil
Education Chairman
Dallas Paleontological Society
