Work Shops

The Falls of the Ohio State Park continues to be a leader in educator workshops. We focus on geology and paleontology, environmental education and archaeology. In-service credit is available with most programs for Jefferson County Public School participants.

All teacher workshops are free, though some have books that should be purchased. Pre-registration is required.

Geology & Paleontology

Field Paleontology Institute 
June 17 - 19, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (limit 20) (Cost $10)
1.0 hour of graduate credit available from IUS. Contact us for details.
How do I get fossils for the classroom? Are there other ways to use fossils in activities for students? What are the best resources available? This three-day workshop combines collecting fossils in the field with activities using those fossils in the classroom. Participants take two excursions to collect Ordovician and Silurian/Devonian fossils (which you can keep) as well as explore the park’s fossil bed (where you can observe, but not collect).

Field Paleontology Institute – Discovery Day
June 16, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  (limit 20) (Cost $5)
Participants will collect a variety of different types of Mississippian-age fossils in the morning. Afternoon time is used for identification. Shale can be used for in-class collecting activities. It is recommended (but not required) that participants take the three-day Field Paleontology Institute. For in class fossil digs, bring a five-gallon bucket and a small shovel.

Understanding Evolution  & Adaptation
July 14 & 15, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (limit 25)  (Cost $40)
In partnership with the Louisville Zoo, this workshop is designed to help teachers and other interested educators better understand the unifying scientific concept of evolution. It will explore such questions as:  What is science?  What is the difference between a scientific theory and a belief? How do we tell geologic time?  What is Natural Selection?  Participants will learn a number of creative activities that can be put to use in the classroom. Content appropriate for grades 6 – 12. One day at the park, one day at the zoo.

Geological Survey Fossil Festival Workshops,
September 20, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (limit 30)

Learn about the geology of IN or KY and how to use their extensive web sites in your classroom. Led by Kentucky or Indiana Geological Survey geologists.

Multi-disciplinary Studies

Probing the Wonders of the Falls
June 9, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (limit 30)
No charge, sponsored by The Falls of the Ohio Foundation.
Discover the Falls of the Ohio with author and educator Kenny Karem. He will guide you through a number of activities in his book.  Participate in a variety of interactive activities for all ages. A free copy of the book is provided. Additional copies of the resource book are available through our park gift shop for $7.95 each.

Program information is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Call or e-mail us about programs in which you want to participate.