MICDS third- and fourth-graders went back in time last week, thanks to a talk by Duke University paleontologists Dr. Richard Kay and Dr. Blythe Williams. The scientists have a connection to our community: they are the father and stepmother of Middle School English Teacher and Varsity Boys Lacrosse Head Coach Andy Kay and the grandparents of Emma ’32 and Lucy ’34. Their timing was perfect—their talk tied in with what the students are studying in nonfiction literacy as well as the science curriculum.
Dr. Kay and Dr. Williams gave a great talk that included how they were inspired to study paleontology and archeology. Their interests began when they were about the age of the students in the audience! They have traveled around the world to search for, find, and analyze fossils, and they shared that it’s often hard, dirty work that involves dealing with animals that are very much still alive (think bats and snakes!). They shared some fossil casts or models of fossils made from real specimens, and Mary Eliot Chapel was bursting with giggles when Dr. Kay held up a sample of coprolite, which he explained is a scientific way of saying “fossilized poop.” They showed photos of their various explorations, sharing that paleontologists search for fossils in every habitat, from jungles and caves to beaches and deserts. Sometimes they will search for days and find only one tiny fossil, but every discovery is worth something.
Students also learned interesting facts such as that bats turn off their echolocation abilities when they are in a cave with other bats, and the difference between a monkey and an ape is that monkeys have tails and apes do not!
Dr. Kay and Dr. Williams left time at the end of their talk for questions, and students eagerly plied their guests with inquiries. It’s safe to say that a few third and fourth graders may be considering studying paleontology when they grow up!
Thank you to Dr. Kay and Dr. Williams for spending so much time with our students last week. It was clear that the students—and the faculty and staff who joined the group—enjoyed learning about your field and your passion!