Mission Statement

The Sternberg Museum of Natural History advances an appreciation and understanding of Earth’s natural history and the evolutionary forces that impact it. With an emphasis on the Great Plains, our goals are accomplished through research, publications, collec- tions, interpretive exhibits, and educational programs created by our staff, colleagues, and community.

Photographer: Neil Deaker Table of Contents Camps Education Staff Page 2 Camps Calendar Page 3-4 Registration Information Page 5 Camps - Elementary School Age (Grades K-5) Page 6-7 Camps - Middle School Age (Grades 6-8) Page 8-9 Camps - High School Age (Grades 9-12) Page 10-11 Registration Forms Page 12-14 Museum Membership Form Page 15 Museum Land Use Flyer Page 16

Front cover photo by Kris Super. Back cover photo by Neil Deaker. 1 Camps Education Staff 2014 David Levering Instructor David joined the Museum staff in August 2013 as the Museum Educator. He graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Geology in 2007, and for the last three years (2010 - 2013) he worked as a teaching assistant in the Zoology depart- ment at Oklahoma State University where he graduated with a Masters of Science. He is also a certified Wilderness First Responder. David has worked with science education pro- grams in Oregon, Idaho, Oklahoma, California, and Connecti- cut. In the summers of 2011, 2012, and 2013, he worked as a seasonal field paleontologist for the National Park Service at Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument in Idaho.

Platecarpus mosasaur dentiary. Photo by Kris Super.

Kelsie Abrams Teaching Assistant Kelsie was born and raised in Casper, Wyoming. As a child, she was always fascinated by the strange, cylinder-shaped rocks she found in the field near her house. It took nearly 15 years for her to learn that the rocks were actually fossilized squid called Belemnites. The curiosity and fascination for fossils stayed with her and she started her paleontology career in the summer of 2010, with an internship at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center. Since that time, Kelsie has spent three summers excavating Jurassic-aged dinosaurs from Colorado and Wyoming. Kelsie graduated from Salisbury University in 2012 with a Bachelors Degree in Anthropology and is currently working on her Master's Degree in Paleon- tology, studying the extinct Kansan rhinoceros, Teleoceras fossiger. 2 3 4 Registration Information Please Register Early! We have room for 10 participants per camp. If you cancel 9 or fewer days prior to the Slots will fill up quickly! start of a program, no amount of the fee To register, complete the forms on pages 11 and 12; to is refundable sign up for a membership and receive a Museum Registration fees are nontransferable member discount, complete the form on page 13. You between applicants. may submit the camps registration forms with full payment (and optional membership form) by: Food Hand-delivering to the front desk at the Stern- Food is provided for students at all overnight berg Museum of Natural History. camps. Food is prepared by camp education Mailing to the Sternberg Museum of Natural staff in the field; some programs will use the History care of the Education Department, 3000 FHSU dorms dining hall as well. In each case, Sternberg Drive, Hays, KS 67601. vegetarian options are available, as well as A separate registration must be turned in for dining options for students with lactose intoler- each participant. ance or food allergies; such accommodations Photocopied forms are acceptable. Sorry, regis- will require advance notice. See the registration tration cannot be completed by phone. form on page 13.

Registration Deadline Lost and Found The Sternberg Museum Education Department must See item 5 on the Parental Waiver and Release receive your completed registration form with full Form (page 14). payment at least 10 days before the start of the camp(s) being registered for. Contacting Your Child Out of concern for homesickness issues, we ask Confirmation that you do not call, text, or message your child All applicants will receive notification within two or encourage them to call, text, or message you weeks of the Sternberg Museum receiving the com- during the camp program. We will be very busy pleted registration and medical history forms. If no with exciting activities and programs during email address is provided, confirmation will be sent to the camps, and homesickness is usually allevi- the applicant’s home address. Your status will be listed ated. You are welcome to send mail. We ask you as “enrolled” or “waiting” if camp you have tried to include a return address in case the student has register for is already full. You will then be placed on a departed by the time the mail arrives. Please do waiting list, or may select a different camp of the same not mail money. Mail should be sent to the cost to attend. If an opening occurs in a camp you are Sternberg Museum of Natural History, waitlisted for, you will receive an email or phone call to addressed to the camper, care of the Education verify your participation. Please do not consider your Department. child as enrolled until you have received verification from the Sternberg Museum. Transportation Transportation is provided from the Sternberg Refund Policy Museum to our program sites for all Middle Cancellations must be submitted in School and High School camps. Camp start writing (email or hand-written are okay). dates are listed in the catalog. Students should Each camp registration is held to a $25 be dropped off at the Sternberg Museum on the cancellation fee. start date of their camp no later than 8:50 AM. If you cancel 30 to 10 days prior to the Pickup time on the last day of each program is start of a program, half of the total fee is 5 PM. 5 refundable. Elementary School (Grades K-5)

Fun With Fossils Group size limit: 10 students

Join us on a journey into the past, and explore the fossils of the Cretaceous Interior Seaway! We’ll see specimens from our world-class fossil collection, and examine modern skeletal material as well. Our Museum fossil galleries have amazing fossil specimens around every turn, and we’ll dive right in to the paleontology of Cretaceous Kansas! Going out into our nature trails, we’ll dig into the soil and visit our pond to learn about how fossils are formed. We will also talk about how Kansas ecosystems have evolved since the Cretaceous, and learn about the lives of the animals that used to live in the Interior Seaway! Before the end of the day, students will also get to make and paint there own Urenchelys abditus eel. Photo by Kris Super. shark tooth fossil casts! Date: June 2nd Fee: $ 60 per Member $ 70 per Non-Member

Junior Reptiles and Amphibians Group size limit: 10 students

From snakes to tortoises to poison arrow frogs, the Sternberg Museum has an incredible collection of live reptiles and amphibians. Come learn all about the rattlesnakes of North America, see our poison arrow frogs eat tiny insects, and check out Darius and Pebbles, our giant totoises! Students will also have a chance to handle live snakes (non-venomous, of course) with the help of our education sta . We will also venture out into our nature trails to hunt for reptiles and amphibians, and learn all about there biology and ecology! Date: June 4th Fee: $ 60 per Member Photo by David Levering. $ 70 per Non-Member Junior Bird Biologists Group size limit: 10 students

Do you love birds? The have we got a day of fun and fascination in store for you! The Sternberg Museum has an incredible collection of bird specimens from all over the world (though most are from right here in Kansas)! Learn how feathers work, and explore the evolution of birds from small carnivorous dinosaurs millions of years ago! We’ll also check out Hesperornis, a prehistoric diving birds that lived millions of years ago in the Cretaceous Interior Seaway that once covered Kansas. Students will also get to do simple ight experi- ments, before we go looking for birds on our nature trails Date: June 30th Fee: $ 60 per Member $ 70 per Non-Member Photo by David Levering. 6 Elementary School (Grades K-5)

Junior Insects and Spiders Group size limit: 10 students

Come out on our nature trails with us as we investigate the tiny world of insects and spiders! We’ll do insect catch-and-release to identify as many species as possible, and talk about just why insects are so darn diverse. Did you know there are more species of beetle than any other group of insect? Now you do! While we explore insects, we will also talk about owering plants, and why insects are so important for their survival. Spiders, we will learn, are also our friends! They eat all kinds of insects that we sometimes nd pesky. Photo by David Levering. Students will also get to visit our giant collection of insects in the Sternberg Zoology Collections! Date: July 2nd Fee: $ 60 per Member $ 70 per Non-Member

Junior Marvelous Mammals Group size limit: 10 students

We have all kinds of cool mammals living in Kansas today: cats, dogs, horses, cows, mice, raccoons, opossums, and people just to name a few. In this program, we’ll learn all about what makes mammals the furry, warm blooded animals we know and love today. Students will get to investigate mammal skeletons, and learn about how useful teeth are in distinguishing species of mammals, and telling what they eat! We will also talk about the evolution of mammals, using our Museum fossil collection and our modern zoology collec- tion. Finally, we’ll get outside and look for di erent mammals, and mammal tracks, around our nature trails and by our pond! Date: August 11th Photo by David Levering. Fee: $ 60 per Member $ 70 per Non-Member Junior Rocks and Minerals Group size limit: 10 students

We all know that geology rocks (Heyooo!), but there’s more to rock science than just volcanoes and mountains. We’ll explore the rock cycle, learn the di erence between a rock and a mineral, and talk about how the continents actually MOVE around the Earth! That’s right, the continents aren’t just stuck in one place at all! We will of course learn all about what makes volcanoes erupt, and all the di erent ways they do it. Sometimes the volcano that doesn’t leak lava can be the most dangerous! Explosions and eruptions abounds! Shake, rattle, and roll with earthquake science, and learn how millions of years ago the oceans of Kansas left behind a stunning record in the rocks. Rock on, Photo by David Levering. geologists! Fee: $ 60 per Member $ 70 per Non-Member 7 Middle School (Grades 6-8)

Paleontology Expedition Group size limit: 10 students

Come explore the fossils of the Cretaceous Interior Seaway! Sharks, ammonites, giant clams, ancient sea turtles, and giant mososaurs are only the beginning of the incredible diversity of fossil organisms found in Weastern Kansas. In this camp, students will be introduced to paleontology eld work done right. Using professional eld equipment, we will prospect for surface fossils, document sites, and learn how to correctly and safely excavate fossil material. Along the way, students will learn how to identify fossil material, and be introduced to the basics of sedimentary geology. Discussion and building critical thinking skills are also emphasized as we learn about the geologic record, and explore the evidence for evolution we nd preserved in the rocks! Date: June 8th – 10th Photo by Kris Super. Fee: $ 350 per Member $ 400 per Non-Member Marvelous Mammals Group size limit: 10 students

The evolution of mammals provides us with fascinating biological stories of success, struggle, and incredible change. Join us as we delve into the history and modern biology of this remarkable group of animals that we humans belong to. We will explore the Sternberg Museum Zoology and Paleontology collections, and examine the skeletons of modern and fossils mammal species. After that, we will head out for 2 nights of camping in Western Kansas to survey for mammals, and learn about their behavior and ecology. Guided discussions and hands-on lessons are emphasized as students learn about the evolution and biology of groups such as horses, dogs, cats, camels, rodents, Photo by David Levering. whales, and many more! Date: June 11th – 13th Fee: $ 350 per Member $ 400 per Non-Member Bird Biologists Group size limit: 10 students

Did you know that dinosaurs walk (and y) among us today? Those chirping, squaking feathered friends that frequent our yards are the incredible last remains of the once great dinosaur lineage! Students will get to explore the Museum Zoology and Paleontology collections, and examine feathers, skel- etons, and fossils of birds through time and space! After our collections visit, we will head out into the eld for two nights of camping to survey bird habi- tats, and learn as much as we can about their biology, behavior, and ecology! Guided discussions emphasizing critical thinking skills and problem solving will be emphasized often throughout the program. Strap on your binoculars and come learn about our wonderful avian friends! Photo by Medhavi Ambardar. Date: June 15th – 17th Fee: $ 350 per Member $ 400 per Non-Member 8 Middle School (Grades 6-8)

Reptiles and Amphibians Group size limit: 10 students

The Sternberg Museum of Natural History has a wealth of live reptiles and amphibians students will get to check out. Poison arrow frogs, bull snakes, giant tortoises, and an awesome water monitor lizard! We’ll also head down to the basement to explore the Museum collections, and check out modern and fossil reptile specimens from throughout the history of Kansas. After we nish at the Museum, we’ll head out for 2 nights of camping to search for wild reptiles and amphibians of Western Kansas. In addition to reptile and amphib- Photo by David Levering. ian surveying, students will be encouraged to develop critical thinking skills through guided discussion and activities. Date: June 18th – 20th Fee: $ 350 per Member $ 400 per Non-Member

Rocks and Minerals Group size limit: 10 students

Come with us for two nights of camping in Western Kansas to investigate the stu that makes up the earth we live on! Learn about the di erence between rocks and minerals, and how they form in the rock cycle. We’ll talk about how fossils form, where all that chalk you see in the hills comes from, and of course how the surface of the earth has changed over millions of years! Structural geology, stratigraphy, and seismic activity (Earthquakes!) will also be the focus of activities and discussion. Other systems such as volcanoes and rock meta- morphosis by heat and pressure will also be included as we work toward a Photo by Kris Super. better understanding of geologic processes. Date: June 4th – 6th Fee: $ 350 per Member $ 400 per Non-Member Insects and Spiders Group size limit: 10 students

Kansas has a remarkable diversity of insect and arachnid species, from grass- hoppers and beetles to spiders and scorpions. Before we head out for two nights of camping, we will visit the Museum’s Zoology collection to discuss what we can expect to see during our trip! During our two night camping trip, we will search a variety of habitats surveying the diversity of these amazing invertebrates, identifying species and discussing the adaptations that makes each one a unique addition to their environment. Students will learn about what makes insects so important to their environments, their evolutionary relationships with owering plants, and how they are helping humans live better every single day! Discussions of invertebrate evolution and ecology will help hone critical thinking and reasoning skills, both critical components of Photo by David Levering. the Sternberg Science Camps. Date: June 7th – 9th 9 Fee: $ 350 per Member High School (Grades 9-12)

Paleontology Field Crew (PFC) Group size limit: 10 students Date: July 13th – 26th Fee: $1,000 per Member This camp is for students who seriously enjoy the great outdoors and paleontol- $1,100 per Non-Member ogy! We will spend the rst week exploring the paleontology and natural history of Kansas out in the eld camping. We will investigate the paleontology and ecology of the incredible Cretaceous Interior Seaway that once covered Kansas under a sea of sharks, ightless birds, and immense marine reptiles! Students will learn how to nd and collect fossil material as paleontologists do, using the same tools as professional researchers. Students will learn to take eld notes, use GPS units, map and compass skills, and proper methods of fossil collection to preserve as much information as possible. Outdoor and camping skills will also be taught and emphasized to keep students safe and healthy during our camping portions. This includes wilderness safety, rst aid skills, basics of search and rescue, camp cooking, best hiking practices, navigation, and practical Photo by David Levering. wilderness survival skills. The PFC will also spend a week working at the Sternberg Museum and at Fort Hays State University, in a laboratory portion of the camp. During this labs portion, students will be staying at the FHSU dorms under the supervision of Museum education sta . At the Sternberg Museum, PFC students will learn about fossil preparation and museum fossil collec- tions. Techniques and training in fossil prep will be hands on, working with collected fossils and professional tools to do the job right. Students will also be introduced to critical concepts and techniques in modern paleontology through guided exercises and discussions. Use of geo- graphic information systems (GIS), molecular and morphological phylo- genetics, understanding and using basic statistical tools, and methods of Photo by Kris Super. critically analyzing scientic literature will all be covered.

Overarching themes of the PFC camp will include critical thinking skills, use of the scientic method, understanding the process of biological evolution through natural selection, applied geology, ecology, comfort with mathematics, improving writing skills, and generating an informed argument through the use of evidence. Make no mistake; this is not school. The PFC camp is designed to be an immersive, full-bodied experience for students interested in biology, geology, or paleontology. Our goal is to make sure any student planning to pursue a degree in life or earth science in college will leave our camp with relevant, practical skills and knowledge in all three scientic disciplines. Photo by David Levering.

**This camp will include moderate hiking during the day in mid summer. Students should plan on being outside in the heat for 5 days at the beginning of the camp program. A list of required and suggested equip- ment will be sent out after a student has registered. Students must provide a detailed self-written letter of application, and a letter of recommendation from a high school science teacher with the registration form. 10 High School (Grades 9-12)

Distribution of Cretaceous rocks in Kansas (adapted from Moore et al., 1951; State Geol. Survey Kansas, 1964). Image from the Kansas Geological Survey Our Tylosaurus skeleton! website.

Distribution of Tertiary rocks in Kansas; subsurface and outcropping Tertiary shown in blue (modified from Moore et al., 1951; State Geol. Survey Kansas, A Xiphactinus being excavated way back in the day! 1964). Image from the Kansas Geological Survey website.

Castle Rocks. Photo by Kris Super. A lovely ammonite here in our museum!

11 12 13 Fort Hays State University Sternberg Museum of Natural History Science Camps 2014 Summer Contract Parent Waiver and Release Form

As the parent/guardian(s) of ______(insert child’s name), I consent to my child’s participation in the Sternberg Museum Science Camp ______(name of camp being registered for) for the dates of ______to ______(time period) conducted by the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, of Fort Hays State University (FHSU). By signing below, I agree to the following:

1. I understand that FHSU has no obligation to provide health, accident, disability or hospitalization insurance for my child and that FHSU will not be responsible for the costs of any health care provided to my child during Sternberg Museum Science Camps. 2. I give permission for FHSU to discuss my child’s medical condition among sta members responsible for my child’s care. This information will be disclosed only when medically necessary. 3. I authorize any representative of FHSU to provide or secure emergency medical and/or dental treatment for my child if he/she is injured or becomes ill while participating in the program. Any representative of FHSU may sign authorization forms necessary to obtain treatment. I understand that FHSU sta will make every e ort to contact me should an emergency arise. 4. Unless I have provided FHSU and the Sternberg Museum Science Camps with information and instructions relating to required medications or other necessary care for my child during the camp on the form below, I represent that my child has no medical condition that either requires medication or care during the camp, or that will interfere with or prohibit my child from fully and safely participating in the camp. By signing below I represent that my child is capable of participating in the camp and all activities and requirements relating thereto. 5. I understand that FHSU does not insure and is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged (from any cause) personal property. The safekeeping of property during the camp is the responsibility of each individual student. It is the family’s responsibility to claim personal items upon the end of the Sternberg Museum Science Camps program; items left unclaimed after 4 months may be disposed of at the discretion of FHSU. 6. By signing below, I hereby assume, on behalf of my child, any and all risks associated with my child's participation in Sternberg Museum Science Camps, travel, hiking and camping over the time period of the camp. I also agree to release FHSU, and any of their agents, employees, trustees, or representatives, and to hold the same harmless, from any and all claims, including claims for negligence, arising out of my child's participation in Science Camp.

Media Release Throughout the Sternberg Museum Science Camps programs, we may interview, photograph or videotape your student for use in publications, television reports, newsletters, brochures, websites, and public presentations. FHSU and the media may also wish to use your student’s work for educational or promotional reasons. Please provide your permission that your child’s photograph, work, or voice may be used for promotional and educational purposes, by checking the appropriate box, and initialing by the statement: I give permission for FHSU and the media to use lm, videotape, digital audio and visual recordings, and photograph images of my student for educational or promotional purposes. I understand that my student’s voice and/ or student work may also be used for educational or promotional purposes. ______(initials) OR I do not give permission for FHSU and the media to use lm, videotape and photograph images of my student for educational or promotional purposes. I understand that my student’s voice and/ or student work will not be used for educational or promotional purposes. ______(initials)

We have carefully read this contract. We understand and voluntarily agree to be bound by the provisions of this contract and associated policies of FHSU, including but not limited to Sternberg Museum policies and procedures, Science Camp policies and procedures, and Emergency procedures:

Date: ______

Student’s printed name: ______

Student’s signature: ______

Parent/Guardian printed name: ______

Parent/Guardian signature: ______

Parent/Guardian printed name: ______

Parent/Guardian signature: ______14 - Discover the benefits of membership!

Would you like to… Stretch your family vacation dollars with free admission to many museums and science centers worldwide? Get great discounts on numerous unique gifts you buy for friends (or for yourself)? Enjoy the ever -changing exhibitions at Sternberg Museum without paying admission? Bring your kids (or grandkids) to venture through lost worlds or explore the Discovery Room as often as they like? Support the important cultural, educational, & research programs of a dynamic non-pro t institution? Then invest in your own enrichment & ...become a Sternberg member.

All levels receive regular bene ts… Sponsor’s Club, $125 Free Sternberg admission on every visit Family level bene ts plus:

Free admission to more than 250 museums and Free admission for two guests each visit As k

science centers worldwide Name listed on plaque near museum entran ce

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10% discount at Excavations Gift Shop o Behind-the-scenes tour of museum collection s o u r

t o The Pteranodon online newsletter y

Curator’s Club, $275 o u Invitations to members only event s u ts r Family level bene ts plus: r b Personalized membership car d B u Free admission for four guests each visit u s List of ASTC reciprocating museums s i n i Name listed on plaque near museum entran ce n e Priority reservations for events and program s es s Behind-the-scenes tour of museum collection s ss

All cardholder bene ts valid for 12 months o M e ben e r

Director’s Club, $550 o m

Individual, $35 (Seniors & Students $25)* r g Family level bene ts plus: b a n Regular bene ts e r izat i Free admission for eight guests each visit s h

Family, $65 (Seniors/Senior Couples $55)* Name listed on plaque near museum entran ce i p o

P embe r

Regular bene ts plus: Behind-the-scenes tour of museum collection s n r

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Free admission to the museum for two adults and g M

Lifetime Family, $1,000 r all children ages 17 and younger living in the am

same householdo r for two grandparents and Family level bene ts plus their grandchildren 17 and younge r. No need to renewf or life !

Due to logistical diculties, admission bene ts cannot be applied to school group tou rs. *Senior rates apply to age 60 and over, student rate applies to Fort Hays State University students and other students ag ea n1d8 under .  Membership Application  New Membership  Renewal ID#______

Method of payment: Register date : $35 Individua l $125 Sponso r  CASH  CHECK  COUPON / VOUCHER   Transaction ref #:  $25 Student  $275 Curator’s Club  VISA*  MASTERCARD*  DISCOVER*  $25 Senior  $550 Director’s Club  $65 Family  $55 Senior Family  $1000 Lifetime Fami ly Name Please Print Address Home Phon e

City/State/Zi p E-mail address * *e-mail address required to receive correspond ence.

*Credit Card Information: (If card is processed through PO- eSn ter last 4 digits on ly)

Acct. #______- ______- ______- ______Exp. Date____ /_____ Signatur e______

Sternberg Museum of Natural History, 3000 Sternberg Dr., Hays, KS 67601 —toll free 877 -332 -1165 ADM/POS 0613 15 16 Interested in supporting the Sternberg Museum Science Camps? Contact the Education Director at [email protected], or by phone at (785) 639-5249.

Sternberg Museum of Natural History 3000 Sternberg Drive Hays, Kansas 67601