Dr. Steve Nicklas
Gainesville State College, Georgia
768-316-4983
Office #159
Course Description
This course is an introduction to archaeological/paleontological field work. The two sites are located near New Castle, Wyoming and Bowman, North 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 North Dakota site, which was partially excavated by GSC students last summer, is extremely important. It consists of a late Cretaceous prehistoric lake bed that dried up 65 million years ago trapping large numbers of fresh water fish and quite probably many other animals – possibly even small dinosaurs. The fossil fish are extremely well preserved – in fact most are mummified. Since this is the first lakebed ever found from the Cretaceous and since the preservation of the fossil fish is unprecedented, the site is truly unique and important.
By definition, the 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 13th of June, 2010 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 Bowman and then to the airport on the last day of the project (June 26th). For additional information on what to expect see the following web site: www.paleoprospectors.com .
