On Friday, August 23, 2024, over 600 second graders from Culpeper County Public Schools embarked on a journey back in time, walking where dinosaurs roamed over 215 million years ago. Thanks to a unique collaboration between Luck Stone Quarry, The Museum of Culpeper, and Culpeper County Public Schools, students from all six elementary schools were given the rare opportunity to explore one of the world’s largest collections of dinosaur tracks right in their own community.
High school students from Eastern View High School's Future Farmers of America (FFA) played a key role in the event, leading the younger students on tours of the site. Trained by The Museum of Culpeper, these high school volunteers engaged the second graders in discussions about animal life cycles and habits, directly linking the experience to the second grade science Virginia Standards of Learning. A highlight of the day for many was the chance to make rubbings of the dinosaur tracks, creating a tangible connection to the ancient past.
Erin Bridges, a second-grade teacher from Emerald Hill Elementary, shared her excitement about the experience: "I loved that my students got to experience something in our community that is known to geologists and paleontologists worldwide! For some of these kids, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience!"
The students were equally enthusiastic. Seven-year-old Colin Chacon from Farmington Elementary marveled at the footprints, saying, "We got to see dinosaur footprints! We colored over them. You turn it over and if it's cracky and rocky, that's the footprint!" Colin was also captivated by the quarry's natural beauty, describing the scene: "The lake! It took millions of years to make a lake with a cliff and rocks. The waterfalls were shining and hitting down hard on the water. It was pretty and glimmering."
Students from Yowell Elementary expressed their excitement as they headed into the quarry, with one student exclaiming, "It feels like we are on the magic school bus!" Another asked, "Will there be real dinosaurs?"
The Luck Stone Quarry, still a working site, is known worldwide for its extensive collection of dinosaur tracks. Each year, the quarry opens its doors to support The Museum of Culpeper, offering a rare glimpse into prehistoric life. This event provided an invaluable learning experience for Culpeper County’s second graders, blending local history, science, and the thrill of discovery. CCPS extends our gratitude to Luck Stone Quarry, The Museum of Culpeper, and the many community volunteers who made this day possible for our students.
For more information about the Luck Stone Quarry and its dinosaur tracks, please visit this link: Luck Stone's Culpeper quarry is home to an astonishing array of fossil footprints of dinosaurs
