Ft. Negley Fossil Field Trip

Become a paleontologist for the day as we explore the fascinating fossil beds hidden within Fort Negley Park! During this hands-on field trip, students will investigate limestone ledges, learn how fossils are formed, and discover what Tennessee can teach us about ancient life on Earth.

Students will examine the composition of limestone, explore how water and weathering shape the landscape, and model the processes of erosion and the water cycle. At a designated fossil collection site, participants will search for, identify, and collect real fossils to take home while learning how scientists use fossils to understand Earth's history.

Along the way, students will ask questions and make discoveries about prehistoric life, including why dinosaur fossils are not found in Tennessee. Through interactive activities using color-coded animal models, students will explore the timeline of life on Earth and how different species lived during different eras.

The adventure continues with opportunities to…