DIG Field School

Photo: Rachel Ormiston/Burke Museum
Photo: Rachel Ormiston/Burke Museum

2024 DIG Field School applications are now open!

This year we are offering two DIG Field School experiences:

DIG Field School Petrified Forest (DIG PEFO) will take place Sunday, June 2 through Thursday, June 6 at Petrified Forest National Park in northeastern Arizona.

DIG Field School Hell Creek (DIG Hell Creek) will take place Sunday, July 21 through Thursday, July 25 at Hell Creek Recreation Area near Jordan, Montana.

Sound exciting? The application will remain open until Thursday, February 15 at 11:59 p.m. PST.

Learn more and apply now

Prepare to get your hands dirty and teach with a whole new perspective!

Over the course of four days each summer, K–12 teachers can get hands-on experience in paleontology, geology and evolution by participating in active field research sites located in Montana or Arizona.

This program provides teachers with hands-on, immersive practice in STEM subjects along with skills to engage their students in authentic scientific research. Investigate the rise of dinosaurs in Arizona or the extinction of dinosaurs and the rise of mammals in Montana, then take what you learn with you back into the classroom with one of our DIG Burke Boxes.

DIG field school participants work in the field
Photo: Dennis Wise/University of Washington
Photo: Dennis Wise/University of Washington

About the DIG Field School

Hands-on experience

DIG Field School participants get hands-on experience working in the field with Burke and University of Washington and Virginia Tech researchers.

Learn more

dig microfossils box

DIG Resources

Bring the DIG to your classroom

Familiarize students with geology and paleontology while teaching them about what researchers do in the field and lab.

Learn more

Educators Dig It

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group photo of DIG Field School particpants
Photo: Dennis Wise/University of Washington
Photo: Dennis Wise/University of Washington

Unforgettable Experience

...I cannot tell you enough what an amazing program the DIG Field School... Taking part in actual‚ real life field research and then working through the scientific process in our group project was a learning experience like no other... I am so excited to take what I have learned from you all and share it with my students.

—Dian B.

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people excavating fossils in the montana desert
Photo: Dennis Wise/University of Washington
Photo: Dennis Wise/University of Washington

Engaging Work

So awesome! I was engaged and interested the entire time, and I left with a lot of knowledge and ideas of how to translate it into classroom activities/practice.

—Kelly H.

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DIG Field School participants listen to a lesson in the field
Photo: Dennis Wise/University of Washington
Photo: Dennis Wise/University of Washington

Teaching Inspiration

Amazing! I learned so much and, most importantly, returned to school inspired. I have already made local connections to bring paleontology to my students. Great experience. I highly recommend.

—Carly I.

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DIG Field School participants pose in the field
Photo: Dennis Wise/University of Washington
Photo: Dennis Wise/University of Washington

Inclusive Environment

Absolutely amazing! ...It's astounding how much we learned in a few days and we're able to apply it by the end of the week. Aside from the fantastic structure and engaging activities I was very happy with how much emphasis was put on our health, safety, and being inclusive.

—Peter O.

Questions?

DIG Field school: digfs@uw.edu

DIG Burke Boxes: burked@uw.edu

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Support the DIG Field School

Your support makes it possible for DIG to provide field school experiences, classroom visits, lab materials, curriculum, and more. 

Donate Today