Year 9/10 DNA to Dinosaurs 

Fossils of Bayside Incursion/Excursion

The Y9&10 DNA to Dinosaur class recently participated in a ‘Fossils of Bayside’ Incursion and Excursion where we were very lucky to have Ben Francishelli, a Vertebrate Palaeontologist, present to our students on his current research into the fossils found at Beaumaris Bay. This included: Livyatan (giant predatory sperm whales), Pelagornis (giant pelicans), Diprotodon (cow sized marsupials) and Megladon (mega-shark). These are all fossils that existed in Beaumaris 5 million years ago!  Students participated in an activity called ‘Flesh and Bones’ where they were given images of fossils and were then asked to sketch what these ancient Bayside species may have looked like. We are very lucky to have Ben again come in and work with our students; it is always great to hear his stories of diving for his fossils in Bayside, how he approaches identification and then the preparation of these fossils.  Being able to see and touch these amazing fossils is a real treat and really connects us to the work that he does. 

If you are interested in finding out more about the fossils of Bayside you might also like to follow the work of Ben Francischelli (Vertebrate Palaeontologist) on social media – Lost World of Bayside Fossils.  His Instagram and Facebook posts are a great way to keep up to date with the local fossil discoveries.

Mr Steve Seddon

Teacher