So basically, today we went through all the lab procedures so our teacher can trust us not to blow up the place. We went through all the tools from the wimpiest to the jackhammer-esque. We started with the dental picks. I think I had a relapse to the many hours I spent squinting at my Green River fish and scratching away at it by the milligram.

After that, we went over the various magnification tools including a large magnifying lens, magnifying goggles (I should walk down the street wearing them one day), and a light microscope. Then we moved on to a dremel, then an air blaster, and then two sizes of airpen.

Of course, the majority of the learning was about how to turn everything on and off. In addition to the new dust collector I mentioned in my previous post, there's also a new air compressor that's pretty sick. Most of the power tools have been replaced too. Looks like it's the right timing to take this class/volunteer!

So we looked through what was available to prepare and there were a few dino bones and two huge standing cabinets full of green river stuff. So my instructor decided we could work individually on GRF stuff, and work as a group on the dinosaur material. Sounds cool, but I've done my fair share of green river stuff but never have used power tools with it. I might get something cool from Douglas Fossils to bring in and prep but I'd have to ask my instructor first. That being said, go vote in the poll!

I'll get specifics on the tools and get pictures as soon as I have the lab to myself and I have to wait for my mom to bring my camera from home which should happen in a week or two.

Until then,

Emily