Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) Campuses

The La Brea Tar Pits campus, operated by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, specializes in immersive educational courses centered on Ice Age paleontology, excavation science, and prehistoric ecosystems. This site provides unique, site-specific learning experiences amid active fossil digs and tar pits, blending fieldwork with classroom instruction.

• Ice Age Paleontology Intensive: This core course introduces the Pleistocene epoch, focusing on the thousands of fossils recovered from the tar pits. Participants learn excavation methods, bone preparation, and species identification, including dire wolves, saber-toothed cats, and mammoths. Hands-on activities involve sifting through matrix samples and analyzing 3D fossil models.
• Fossil Preparation and Conservation Lab: A practical workshop teaching the delicate art of cleaning, stabilizing, and cataloging fossils. Students work in the museum's lab under expert supervision, using tools like air scribes and consolidants, while discussing ethical considerations in paleontological research.
• Prehistoric Megafauna Ecology: Exploring the interactions between ancient animals and their environment, this course covers food webs, extinction theories, and climate influences. Field observations at the pits complement lectures, with simulations of tar trap scenarios to understand predation and preservation.
• Geological Processes of Asphalt Seeps: This earth science course examines the formation of tar pits, hydrocarbon geology, and seismic activity in Southern California. Participants map the site, study sediment cores, and model asphalt's role in fossil entrapment.
• Family and Youth Fossil Hunter Programs: Designed for all ages, these interactive courses include junior paleontologist digs, storytelling sessions about Ice Age life, and craft activities like fossil rubbings. They emphasize fun, foundational science concepts to spark interest in careers in STEM.
• Advanced Research Seminars: For enthusiasts and professionals, sessions on taphonomy, radiometric dating, and comparative anatomy. Collaborations with university partners allow access to unpublished data and contribute to ongoing NHMLAC research projects.

Courses at this campus highlight the dynamic nature of scientific discovery, with opportunities to witness real-time excavations. Programs promote interdisciplinary learning, connecting paleontology to biology, geology, and anthropology. Accessibility features include guided audio tours and adaptive equipment for inclusive participation. By engaging directly with one of the world's richest fossil sites, learners gain profound insights into Earth's history, fostering a sense of wonder and responsibility toward paleontological heritage. Offerings evolve with new finds, ensuring cutting-edge content that educates and inspires across generations.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County offers a diverse array of educational programs and courses designed to engage visitors of all ages in the wonders of natural history, science, and culture. These programs emphasize hands-on learning, interactive exhibits, and expert-led sessions that explore topics from paleontology to biodiversity.

• Paleontology Fundamentals: This introductory course delves into the history of Earth's ancient life forms, covering fossil identification, excavation techniques, and the evolution of dinosaurs. Participants learn through guided tours of the museum's renowned Dinosaur Hall, where they handle replicas and discuss groundbreaking discoveries like the La Brea Tar Pits fossils.
• Biodiversity and Ecology Workshop: Focused on California's unique ecosystems, this course examines plant and animal adaptations, conservation efforts, and the impact of climate change. Interactive sessions include field simulations, specimen observations, and discussions on sustainable practices, drawing from the museum's extensive Nature Lab collections.
• Anthropology of Human Evolution: Exploring the origins and migrations of modern humans, this program uses artifacts from the museum's Hall of Gems and Minerals to trace cultural developments. Lectures and activities cover genetic studies, archaeological methods, and the interplay between humans and their environment.
• Earth Science Series: A multi-part course on geology, including earthquakes, volcanoes, and mineralogy. Students participate in rock identification labs, seismic modeling, and visits to the Becoming Los Angeles exhibit to understand urban geology.
• Youth Science Academy Programs: Tailored for K-12 students, these courses integrate STEM principles with museum resources. Topics range from entomology to ornithology, featuring dissections, citizen science projects, and mentorship from museum scientists.
• Adult Education Seminars: Advanced sessions on topics like astrobiology, oceanography, and indigenous knowledge systems. These include guest lectures, book discussions, and collaborative research opportunities with NHMLAC affiliates.

Each course is structured to foster curiosity and critical thinking, with durations from one-day workshops to multi-week series. The museum's commitment to inclusive education ensures accessibility for diverse learners, incorporating multilingual resources and adaptive technologies. Through these offerings, participants not only gain scientific knowledge but also develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world, inspiring lifelong learning and environmental stewardship. Programs are continually updated based on current research, ensuring relevance and accuracy in all teachings.