The Perryville Primary Center library was transformed into a prehistoric excavation site on Wednesday, March 18, as students got a rare, hands-on look at the world of paleontology.
PPC hosted a special day of presentations in the library where students learned about fossil hunting from some local experts and had the opportunity to see and touch real dinosaur bones.
Representatives from the Southeast Missouri State University Geosciences Department partnered with Adventure 360 to bring interactive displays of dinosaur and other fossils to engage PPC students.
The presentation was organized by PPC Counselor Laura Buchheit, who secured grant funding to bring the experience to the district’s youngest learners. For Buchheit, the event was also a family affair; her daughter, Megan Buchheit, a graduate of Perryville High School and current SEMO student, was a featured presenter.
Last summer, while on a dig in Montana with Adventure 360, Megan uncovered a significant fossil — believed to be a Tyrannosaurus Rex bone. Megan dubbed the discovery “The Meg.” Students at the Primary Center were given the unique opportunity to see “The Meg” as part of the presentation.
The presentation included interactive segments where students learned how fossils are formed, how they are carefully extracted from rock, and what a day in the life of a field scientist looks like. The presentation was not only a unique way to see dinosaur bones in person, but it was also an opportunity for students to learn about different educational and career paths.