Hello! I am a member of the Science Teacher Field Institute with Project Exploration. In just a few hours, at approximately 3:30 a.m., I will be on my way to the Lost in Time Ranch in Montana.  There are so many things running through my head.  Will I find any dinosaur bones? What will the weather be like? Will I forget to pack something?  As the excitement mounts, I think back to how I got to this point.  

Just a few months ago, I first heard about Project Exploration through the Sisters for Science Program at my school.  Jameela, the Sisters for Science Program Teacher at my school, told me about the Science Teacher Field Institute and suggested I apply.  At that point I felt excited about the opportunity to learn new things, get to work in the field, and have a great professional development opportunity. I was fairly interested in paleontology and geology, but no more than my usual interest in all things. 

So much has changed since then.  After the intensive week we spent in and out of the classroom learning about paleontology, taphonomy, and geology, I am filled with curiosity, excitement, and enthusiasm. It took one week to transform my mild interest in paleontology to an insatiable hunger to learn more. It also took only one week to become obsessed with excavating the fossil fish that I was given to practice on.

 I cannot wait to go to Montana and experience what paleontologists get to do on a normal basis.  I cannot wait to learn how to read the rocks and try to create stories from the information I collect. And I really cannot wait to share this experience with my students.

So, I am off to embark on a huge adventure.  I do not know what I will find, but I do know that I will treasure the experience!

Stephanie, ready for an adventure!