Explore 4.6 Billion Years of Earth’s History!

Earth Science Weekend uncovers the wonders of the planet’s past, present, and future. This two-day event offers exciting activities for all ages, showcasing the evolution of Earth with the help of Alberta’s leading science organizations.

Join hands-on experiences and programming from the Royal Tyrrell Museum, Dinosaur Provincial Park and the University of Calgary’s Earth, Energy and Environment Department.

The Alberta Palaeontological Society will also have tables with lots of fun activities!

Activities include:

• Raptor Assembly with the Royal Tyrrell Museum: Join the RTM for an interactive demonstration as we assemble a dinosaur skeleton. 11:30am at Inspiration Stage.

• Fossil Discovery Zone: Search through rocks to uncover hidden fossils from Alberta’s ancient history, presented by the Royal Tyrrell Museum in the atrium.

• Mesozoic Match: Match the tracks and traces of Dinosaur Provincial Park’s incredible modern wildlife to similar signs of ancient life from the fossil record.

• Energy Maze, Augmented Reality Sandbox, Minerals and MORE: Engage in interactive, earth science-themed challenges guided by geologists and paleontologists from the Department of Earth, Energy, and Environment and the University of Calgary.

• Frozen in Time: Young paleontologists can dig through ice to discover fossils and learn about Earth’s Ice Age history at 10:00am and 1:00pm in the Creative Kids Museum.

Experience a weekend filled with Earth’s history, science, and discovery, as it continues to shape the world today!

Location: Telus Spark Science Centre, Calgary

Explore 4.6 Billion Years of Earth’s History!

Earth Science Weekend uncovers the wonders of the planet’s past, present, and future. This two-day event offers exciting activities for all ages, showcasing the evolution of Earth with the help of Alberta’s leading science organizations.

Join hands-on experiences and programming from the Royal Tyrrell Museum, Dinosaur Provincial Park and the University of Calgary’s Earth, Energy and Environment Department.

The Alberta Palaeontological Society will also have tables with lots of fun activities!

Activities include:

• Raptor Assembly with the Royal Tyrrell Museum: Join the RTM for an interactive demonstration as we assemble a dinosaur skeleton. 11:30am at Inspiration Stage.

• Fossil Discovery Zone: Search through rocks to uncover hidden fossils from Alberta’s ancient history, presented by the Royal Tyrrell Museum in the atrium.

• Mesozoic Match: Match the tracks and traces of Dinosaur Provincial Park’s incredible modern wildlife to similar signs of ancient life from the fossil record.

• Energy Maze, Augmented Reality Sandbox, Minerals and MORE: Engage in interactive, earth science-themed challenges guided by geologists and paleontologists from the Department of Earth, Energy, and Environment and the University of Calgary.

• Frozen in Time: Young paleontologists can dig through ice to discover fossils and learn about Earth’s Ice Age history at 10:00am and 1:00pm in the Creative Kids Museum.

Experience a weekend filled with Earth’s history, science, and discovery, as it continues to shape the world today!

Location: Telus Spark Science Centre, Calgary

Use microscopes to search for tiny fossils to aid the research of Dr. Jessica Theodor and Dr. Alex Dutchak of the University of Calgary. We will be examining the matrix (soil) from the Saskatchewan Cypress Hills Formation (Middle Eocene about 50 million years old). We will be using microscopes in room B140 at Mount Royal University.

Registration is not required, but if you let Mona Trick (cell: (587) 578-4579 or giftshop@albertapaleo.org) know that you are planning to attend, then she can inform you if we need to cancel this session. No experience is required. Due to the delicate nature of this work, only those 12 years and older are allowed to search for the microfossils. Bring tweezers or a small paint brush to pick the tiny fossils from the soil and a pen to label your finds. All of the fossils found will be kept by the University of Calgary for their research.

We are very grateful to Mount Royal University for allowing us to use their microscopes and lab.

Want to destress after midterms? Join us for a palaeo paint night! Limited spots available!

Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Geology 155, University of Saskatchewan
Free Admission

Huge thanks to Sheri White for donating supplies for the event.

Join the University of Saskatchewan Palaeobiology Club for an evening of artistic expression and palaeontological fun!

Ever wonder if that weird rock in your garage is actually a dinosaur tooth or a million-year-old fossil?

This FREE, family-friendly event is your chance to meet geologists and paleontologists from the Geological Survey of Canada, the experts who explore and study Canada’s incredible natural history!

What to Expect:

• Free rock, mineral, and fossil identification – bring your own rocks, fossils, and dino treasures to be identified by real geologists and fossil experts!
• Hands-on specimens from across Alberta and Canada – touch and learn
• Discover epic stories behind the Earth’s layers, ancient seas, erupting volcanoes, and prehistoric creatures!
• Chat with real scientists – ask questions, get inspired, and maybe even plan your future as a geologist!

Perfect for curious kids, science-loving adults, educators, collectors, and anyone who’s ever picked up a cool rock! Whether it’s a shiny crystal, a lumpy fossil, or something you found on a hike – bring it in and find out what it REALLY is. You might just have something incredible.

Dig In! A Day of Rocks, Fossils & Fun

Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Community Living Room, Airdrie Public Library
Audience: All Ages
Cost: FREE

Register Here

Mark your calendars! The GAC Paleontology Division will be hosting a free virtual Canadian Paleontology Conference November 21st-22nd, 2025. This event is open to everyone!

For more information on registration, posters, talks, timing, and more, see the circular.

Registration Instructions: To register, please send the following information via email to gac.paleontology@gmail.com by November 17:

• Your name and affiliation (if applicable)
• Whether or not you are a student

In the email subject line, please write ‘CPC 2025 Registration’.

For additional information, please see the CPC website.

Fifty+ Years of Research at the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, SD Chris Jass, Ph.D. Curator at Royal Alberta Museum, Edmonton, Alberta

Abstract/Summary Research on Ice Age vertebrates of the Black Hills took a “mammoth” leap in 1974, with the discovery of The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, SD. Fifty years (and over 60 mammoths) later, we’re still working to understand what the site can tell us about mammoths and the Ice Age record of the Black Hills. New research has recently revised age estimates for the site, and new projects continue to refine our knowledge of the site. Along with that work, additional research on Pleistocene sites in Black Hills caves is filling in gaps in the Ice Age record, particularly with respect to our understanding of small mammal taxa. Join us to learn about an incredible in situ mammoth locality, and on-going, regional work to reveal the Ice Age history of the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Biography Dr. Chris Jass is the Curator of Quaternary Studies at the Royal Alberta Museum, and Principal Investigator of the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, SD. Chris grew up in the Black Hills and has spent the better part of his professional life working towards understanding the Ice Age record of western North America. He has an M.S. in Quaternary Studies from Northern Arizona University and a Ph.D. in Geological Sciences from The University of Texas at Austin.

Abstract & Bio

Use microscopes to search for tiny fossils to aid the research of Dr. Jessica Theodor and Dr. Alex Dutchak of the University of Calgary. We will be examining the matrix (soil) from the Saskatchewan Cypress Hills Formation (Middle Eocene about 50 million years old). We will be using microscopes in room B140 at Mount Royal University.

Registration is not required, but if you let Mona Trick (cell: (587) 578-4579 or giftshop@albertapaleo.org) know that you are planning to attend, then she can inform you if we need to cancel this session. No experience is required. Due to the delicate nature of this work, only those 12 years and older are allowed to search for the microfossils. Bring tweezers or a small paint brush to pick the tiny fossils from the soil and a pen to label your finds. All of the fossils found will be kept by the University of Calgary for their research.

We are very grateful to Mount Royal University for allowing us to use their microscopes and lab.

Take a tour of the Royal Tyrrell Museum without leaving home! During this interactive virtual visit, we’ll guide you through our world-renowned galleries and exhibits. Marvel at creatures from ancient seas, explore Dinosaur Hall, and discover how life carried on after the catastrophic asteroid impact 66 million years ago. The program concludes with a Q&A session with a Museum expert.

All Ages $25 45 Minutes Up to 25 viewers

Join us virtually for a special live presentation! You’ll see fascinating fossils from our Collection and have the opportunity to ask questions of our Education experts. Let us bring the Museum to you, your group, or your club in these exciting virtual experiences!

This is a multi-site event conducted through Zoom. Registration closes at 3:30 p.m. MT the day before. Recording available for 72 hours after.

How do you know the difference between a Mastodon and a Mammoth tooth? How about a Bison’s foot from a Horse’s? These skills and many more are key for palaeontologists as they piece together Alberta’s frozen past.

In this workshop, our Quaternary Paleontology Team will teach you basic comparative anatomy of Ice Age fossils, and how you can examine a skeleton to identify an animal group or species.

This workshop is open to anyone aged 15+, with no previous experience necessary. General Admission is included in the ticket price.

Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Duration: Over 2 hours
Location: Royal Alberta Museum, Edmonton, Museum Zone
Age Group: 15 and up
Cost: $21, includes admission