Fossil Quest

Saturday, September 26 | 9 am – 4 pm Dig into a day of prehistoric discovery. At Fossil Quest, the entire science center is a field site! Your little paleontologists will: Start a field notebook Excavate real fossils Make a plaster fossil cast Build a field jacket (protective coverings paleontologists put around delicate fossils) Investigate under the microscope Make amber insect soap Meet Magic Mr. Nick's Dino Puppets Have a fossil at home? Bring it! Bring your mystery specimens to our Fossil ID Table, where paleontologists and geologists from Earth Experience and Vanderbilt PhD researchers will identify what you've found. This pop-up event is included with General Admission and free for members! Join the dig! → BONUS: Dig deeper! Add a guided fossil dig for $10 per digger. Uncover real fossils, have them identified, and take home up to two discoveries! Space is limited, so sign up early at the front desk. Stories from the Field Hear from scientists about what it's actually like to work in the field, including: Fossils found across Tennessee What it's like to dig for fossils in Montana Discoveries made in the field The unexpected things scientists encounter while digging What happens after a fossil is discovered Ready to start your quest? Join us Saturday, September 26, and discover what it really takes to uncover the prehistoric past.