For Immediate Release Media contact: The Field Museum Greg Borzo 312/665-7106 gborzo@fieldmuseum.org Students help Field Museum, DuPage County Forest Preserve extract 11,500-year-old mastodon Rare hands-on experience could lead to exhibit or scholarly publication, or spark interest in scientific careers CHICAGO—Up to 40 students and teachers from more than 20 schools in Chicago and the suburbs will help scientists uncover the 11,500-year-old fossil of a mastodon recently found at Pratt's Wayne Woods Forest Preserve in DuPage County. The media is invited to cover the story and experience the excitement of a real scientific excavation on August 3, 2007 from 11-4pm—the first official dig day of "Mastodon Camp!" The public will have the chance to visit the dig site the following week during public tours August 7-10. The mastodon, an extinct relative of the elephant, was one of the mightiest beasts to ever march across Illinois. It existed from about 3.8 million to 10,000 years ago and was common during the Ice Age, when the Midwest was covered by glaciers. Participants will learn what the landscape tells us about Illinois' past, what fossils tell us about evolution and climate change, and how we can restore and protect the fragile ecosystems that we depend on today. They will also learn about the scientific method of inquiry and how scientists study the past, including excavation methods, fossil preparation, soil sampling and ground penetrating radar. The students, ranging from 8th to 12th grade, will learn by doing and be introduced to career options in the natural sciences, including paleontology, restoration ecology, forestry and land preservation. "We believe that anyone can do science," says Richard Kissel, scientific program developer at The Field Museum, and one of the leaders of Mastodon Camp! "Scientists are just adults who never gave up that childhood curiosity and wonder regarding how things work. "We hope this program will give students a unique, hands-on experience as well as a foot in the door in an area of science that may not necessarily be introduced in their schools," he added. Continue>>