Coon Creek Science Center facts for kids
The Coon Creek Science Center is an exciting place in Adamsville, Tennessee, USA. It's a science center where you can learn about Earth's past. It is also a famous spot for finding real fossils!
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Discovering Ancient Life
What Makes Coon Creek Special?
The Coon Creek Science Center sits on a huge piece of land, about 232 acres. This area is one of the most important fossil sites in all of North America. The special rock layers here are called the Coon Creek Formation. This formation is found in western Tennessee and parts of northeast Mississippi.
A Peek into the Past
The rocks at Coon Creek are about 73 million years old. This means they formed during the Late Cretaceous period. Back then, the Gulf of Mexico was much bigger. It stretched far north, covering what is now West Tennessee with water. Over time, the water moved away. This allowed amazing fossils to form from the ancient sea creatures that lived there.
What Fossils Can You Find?
At Coon Creek, you can discover many different types of fossils. Most of them are from marine animals. You might find ancient shells, crabs, and snails. You can even find fossils of bigger animals, like sharks! It's like a treasure hunt for clues about Earth's history.
More Than Just Fossils
Explore Nature's Wonders
The Coon Creek Science Center offers more than just fossil digging. It has wide open fields and thick forests. These are perfect for hiking and watching wildlife. You might spot different birds or animals living in their natural homes.
Study Water and Stars
The center also has five ponds. These ponds are great places to study aquatic life. You can learn about the plants and animals that live in freshwater. For those who love the night sky, there's a special telescope site. Here, you can look at stars, planets, and galaxies far away.
Visiting the Center
How to Plan Your Visit
The Coon Creek Science Center organizes special tours for groups. They also have environmental camps where you can learn about nature. Of course, they offer fossil digs too! Visitors can dig for fossils and even take their discoveries home.
Stay Overnight
If your group wants to stay longer, the center has cabins. There are five camp-style cabins, a dining hall, and a kitchen. These are available for guests who want to stay overnight. To visit the center, you need to be part of an organized group. You also need to make an appointment ahead of time. The City of Memphis bought the Coon Creek Science Center in 1988. It is now part of the Pink Palace Family of Museums.
