Window into the history of the earth - holiday activity: children as excavation helpers
Children aged six to 12 can become excavation helpers during their holidays at an excavation site of the Museum of Natural History. There, on the Sonnenberg, the young researchers look over the shoulders of the scientists and learn how the Chemnitz Petrified Forest is excavated. They then go in search of fossils such as fossilised wood as well as prehistoric dinosaur and leaf impressions in the children's excavation.
Many exciting tasks await the young excavation trainees: Using hammers and chisels, they split the fossilised volcanic ash to find fossils that are 291 million years old. They will then document and analyse their finds like real scientists.
The programme was a great success in the first week of the holiday. Now there is another chance to register for a date from 10 to 12 August from 10 to 11.30 am or 2 to 3.30 pm. Participation is only possible with pre-registration (limited places). Information, registration and free places can be found on the excavation website (http://www.grabungsteamchemnitz.de/besucherinformationen/veranstaltungen/).
Admission is free for children. Accompanying adults pay 4 euros. On the day of the event, the ticket can also be used to visit the Museum für Naturkunde Chemnitz. The "Window into the Earth's History" excavation is located in the Sonnenberg district of Chemnitz at Glockenstraße 16.
Contact: Franziska Kreis, Scientific Volunteer, Museum für Naturkunde Chemnitz, phone 27 36 93 67, email: