1. Looking Back in Time: The Mastodon Matrix Project Kristin T. Rearden, Chris A. Underwood, Daniel B. Lewis and Sally P. Horn TSTA Annual Conference Nashville November 17, 2006 Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

2. GK–12 Program The University of Tennessee GK–12 Earth Project: Enriching Earth Science in Rural Tennessee Middle Schools through Research-Based Activities on Climate and Environmental History The University of Tennessee GK–12 Earth Project: Enriching Earth Science in Rural Tennessee Middle Schools through Research-Based Activities on Climate and Environmental History We are funded by the National Science Foundation and are one of many GK–12 University programs in the nation We are funded by the National Science Foundation and are one of many GK–12 University programs in the nation Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

3. The Mastodon Matrix Project http://priweb.org/mastodon/HP_mast/HP_mast_main.html Image used with permission from the Paleontological Research Institution. Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

4. The PRI The PRI Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

5. The PRI Founded by Gilbert Dennison Harris (Cornell geologist) in 1932 Founded by Gilbert Dennison Harris (Cornell geologist) in 1932 Moved to into the West Hill Children’s Home building in 1968 Moved to into the West Hill Children’s Home building in 1968 Currently holds over 2 million fossils and shells, and a 50,000 volume research library Currently holds over 2 million fossils and shells, and a 50,000 volume research library Opened the 18,000 ft 2 Museum of the Earth in 2003 Opened the 18,000 ft 2 Museum of the Earth in 2003 Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

6. The Museum of the Earth (at the Paleontological Research Institution) Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

7. Museum Prep Room Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

8. Geologic Time Exhibits Big Bang to Cambrian Big Bang to Cambrian Cambrian to Silurian Cambrian to Silurian The Devonian The Devonian Carboniferous to Triassic Carboniferous to Triassic The Triassic/Jurassic The Triassic/Jurassic Jurassic to Quaternary Jurassic to Quaternary The Quaternary The Quaternary Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

9. Ancient Sea Fossils Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

10. Dunkleosteus !! Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

11. Dunkleosteus Giant, armored predatory fish of the Devonian (360 mya or millions of years ago) Giant, armored predatory fish of the Devonian (360 mya or millions of years ago) We know what the skull looked like, but can only guess about the rest of its body We know what the skull looked like, but can only guess about the rest of its body Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

12. Titanotheres Rhinoceros-like animal that lived during the Tertiary (50 – 25 mya) Rhinoceros-like animal that lived during the Tertiary (50 – 25 mya) Preparation of this skull took 500 hrs Preparation of this skull took 500 hrs Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

13. Cornell Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Snee Hall Collections Gilbert Mastodon Gilbert Mastodon American mastodon American mastodon (Mammut americanum) Lived ~ 2 million – 8,000 yrs ago Lived ~ 2 million – 8,000 yrs ago 8 – 10 feet tall 8 – 10 feet tall 4 – 5 tons 4 – 5 tons Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

14. Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Snee Hall Collections The Gilbert Mastodon femur and tibia tusk vertebrae mandible Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

15. Gilbert Mastodon at the Museum of the Earth *mammoth bones were found alongside! femur mastodon vs. mammoth tooth Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

16. Hyde Park Mastodon Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

17. Hyde Park Mastodon Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

18. Hyde Park Mastodon Found in Hyde Park, NY Found in Hyde Park, NY Hudson Valley Region Hudson Valley Region Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420. Map produced by GK-12 Fellow Sarah Deane

19. Hyde Park Mastodon First discovered in 1999 by Larry Lozier during the deepening of his glacially- formed pond First discovered in 1999 by Larry Lozier during the deepening of his glacially- formed pond He originally thought the humerus he found was that of a horse He originally thought the humerus he found was that of a horse PRI staff and hundreds of volunteers helped unearth the entire skeleton PRI staff and hundreds of volunteers helped unearth the entire skeleton Excavation lasted six weeks Excavation lasted six weeks Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

20. The Hyde Park Excavation Image used with permission from the Paleontological Research Institution. Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

21. The Hyde Park Excavation Image used with permission from the Paleontological Research Institution. Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

22. Hyde Park Mastodon The Hyde Park specimen was determined to be an American mastodon (Mammut americanum) The Hyde Park specimen was determined to be an American mastodon (Mammut americanum) Probably an adult male 30 – 40 yrs old Probably an adult male 30 – 40 yrs old May have weighed as much as 10,000 – 15,000 lbs (4,500 – 6,800 kg) May have weighed as much as 10,000 – 15,000 lbs (4,500 – 6,800 kg) Lived around 11,500 BC Lived around 11,500 BC Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

23. Hyde Park Mastodon Other research focuses on: Other research focuses on: sediment charcoal sediment charcoal ostracodes ostracodes plant macrofossils plant macrofossils taphonomy taphonomy beetles beetles stable isotopes of sediments and mastodon teeth stable isotopes of sediments and mastodon teeth sedimentology/stratigraphy sedimentology/stratigraphy mollusks mollusks This is where we come in! This is where we come in! Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

24. Hyde Park Mastodon Remnants of at least ten species of trees are represented in the sediments that lined the bottom of the ~18,000 yr-old pond Remnants of at least ten species of trees are represented in the sediments that lined the bottom of the ~18,000 yr-old pond Many of these species no longer live around Hyde Park, but can be found near Hudson Bay in north central Canada Many of these species no longer live around Hyde Park, but can be found near Hudson Bay in north central Canada Can we find more? Can we find more? Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

25. North Java Mastodon cranial fragments Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

26. North Java Mastodon The PRI’s newest venture The PRI’s newest venture Much smaller than the Hyde Park mastodon Much smaller than the Hyde Park mastodon Cranium was fragmented (very common occurrence, perhaps due to hunters attempting to make use of the entire kill) Cranium was fragmented (very common occurrence, perhaps due to hunters attempting to make use of the entire kill) Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

27. North Java Mastodon Found in North Java, NY Found in North Java, NY Niagara Frontier Region Niagara Frontier Region Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420. Map produced by GK-12 Fellow Sarah Deane

28. Behind-the-Scenes Tour Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

29. Mastodon Matrix Material Rob Ross discussing previously recovered materials from the Mastodon Matrix program Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

30. Know Your Mastodon Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

31. Reference Specimens African elephant (Loxodonta africana) skull for reference Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

32. Collections

33. Collections

34. Collections

35. Collections

36. Collections

37. Petrified Wood Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

38. Middle School Students as Researchers Middle school students in East Tennessee are participating in the Mastodon Matrix Project as part of the GK-12 Program Middle school students in East Tennessee are participating in the Mastodon Matrix Project as part of the GK-12 Program Examination of the matrix provides a unique method for meeting state science standards Examination of the matrix provides a unique method for meeting state science standards Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

39. TN Curriculum Framework Connection Content Standard: 6.0 Biological Change The student will understand that living things have changed over time. Learning Expectations: 6.2 Recognize various forms of evidence which indicate that life forms have changed over time 6.2 Recognize various forms of evidence which indicate that life forms have changed over time 6.3 Reason how environmental changes are associated with the extinction of a species 6.3 Reason how environmental changes are associated with the extinction of a species Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

40. State Performance Indicators As documented through state assessment, As documented through state assessment, at Level 1, the student is able to: 6.6.spi.1analyze how fossils provide information about the past 6.6.spi.1analyze how fossils provide information about the past 6.6.spi.2 identify factors that contribute to extinction. 6.6.spi.2 identify factors that contribute to extinction. Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

41. Teacher Performance Indicators As documented through teacher observation, As documented through teacher observation, at Level 2, the student is able to: 6.6.tpi.2compare and contrast the different processes of fossil formation. 6.6.tpi.2compare and contrast the different processes of fossil formation. 6.6.tpi.4collect and/or observe various fossils and relate them to biogeographical changes. 6.6.tpi.4collect and/or observe various fossils and relate them to biogeographical changes. Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

42. Initial Results Six classes at Carpenters Middle School, Maryville, found 861 items in ~3,000 cc of matrix. Students found: Six classes at Carpenters Middle School, Maryville, found 861 items in ~3,000 cc of matrix. Students found: 743 plant macrofossils (twigs, fragments of tree bark, seeds and conifer needles) 743 plant macrofossils (twigs, fragments of tree bark, seeds and conifer needles) 116 rocks 116 rocks 2 shells 2 shells All items and data will be sent back to Ithaca, NY, where they will be cataloged by PRI and Cornell paleontologists All items and data will be sent back to Ithaca, NY, where they will be cataloged by PRI and Cornell paleontologists We plan to share this activity with nine other middle- school teachers in the Knoxville area We plan to share this activity with nine other middle- school teachers in the Knoxville area Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.

43. Couldn’t Do This Without… Rob Ross and his staff at the PRI Rob Ross and his staff at the PRI The National Science Foundation GK-12 Program and The National Science Foundation GK-12 Program and Grant # DGE-0538420 Bryan Schultz, who helped collect matrix at PRI Bryan Schultz, who helped collect matrix at PRI The University of Tennessee The University of Tennessee Cornell University Cornell University All of our GK–12 teacher-partners at Carpenters, Halls, Heritage, Holston, Jefferson, Northview, and Seymour Middle Schools All of our GK–12 teacher-partners at Carpenters, Halls, Heritage, Holston, Jefferson, Northview, and Seymour Middle Schools Faculty Advisors at the University of Tennessee Faculty Advisors at the University of Tennessee Materials produced by the University of Tennessee GK-12 Earth Project, funded by the National Science Foundation GK-12 Program under grant # DGE-0538420.