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TriciaLynn Glotfelty posted an update in the group
2017 FOSSILs for Teachers Professional Development 6 years, 8 months ago 6 years, 8 months ago6 years, 8 months agoI wanted to thank everyone for such a wonderful week. I never could have imagined the amazing friends I would meet and the experiences I had. Im still in awe. Truly.
Im putting together my “kit” and developing my materials to take on the road into classrooms and home school groups and I need some advice.
1. I need to pack all these fossils into something i can easily take with me to different settings. A large trunk on wheels maybe? Ive been invited to speak in Illinois so something that is sturdy, shippable, lockable, etc. Inside is another question. What should each fossil be wrapped and stored in? Im headed to the container store to get ideas. If you know of online resources or have ideas id really like to hear them.
For the paleo-experts: some of the fossils need stabilization. Some are very porous and are losing little bits during transport. How can I stabilize them? A coating like butvar? Id rather not have them shiny if they are naturally matte.
Id like to also protect the fossils on the touch table from finger oils etc. Need ideas there too.
Thank you everyone for everything. This was the best week!!! Im so motivated and excited about this project. And to have all of you to advise me. Thats the best part.
I think that @george-powell has used Elmer’s glue to stabilize his fossils. We use a special glue here at the museum. @vperez do you have any good ideas?
There are a number of different consolidants that could be used. Our museum website has a page with some helpful information https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/vertpaleo/amateur-collector/preparation/
The shelly critters from the Paleozoic can be wrapped in toilet paper to stop from knocking around in bags or containers- this is usually what I do. Or just fill any void space in a container with toilet paper so that they can’t move around.
A couple of readily available options are Duco cement which can be purchased on line at Walmart or in many hobby stores or super glue. Dilute either of these about 1 part glue to 5 parts acetone and paint it on the fossils. Diluting the cement ensures it is carried into the fossil locking everything down.