Fossils

Were There Dinosaurs in Illinois?

ISM Geology Curator, Dr. Melissa Pardi answers the question, were there dinosaurs in Illinois. (2:05 minutes)

Illinois' Glacial Past

ISM Geology Curator, Dr. Melissa Pardi talks about glaciation in Illinois' past. (2:48 minutes)

Exploring the Fossils of Mazon Creek

ISM Geology Curator, Dr. Melissa Pardi talks about the fossils of Mazon Creek. (2:45 minutes)

What Can Fossils Tells Us About Change Over Time

ISM Curator of Geology Melissa Pardi explores  Coal and Ice Age fossils from the Museum's collections to help students understand what fossils can tell about Illinois' past environments.  (17:05 minutes)

The Bison Skull Fossil

Explore with ISM Paloaentologist Dr. Melissa Pardi as she shares a special fossil found in the summer of 2022. Discover what palaeontologists do to preserve fossils for future study. This video is made for upper elementary through high school as part of an IMLS grant for creating digital resources. (12:34 minutes)

What Is the Kankakee Torrent? 

Explore with Paleontologist Dr. Melissa Pardi as she talks about the landscape changes caused by the Kankakee Torrent about 19,000 years in Illinois.  This video is made for 6th-12th grade students as part of an IMLS grant for creating digital resources. 

Meet a Scientist - Dr. Melanie Pardi, Paleontology 

Ever wondered what a paleontologist does at a Museum? Join Stephanie Gragg as she talks with Dr. Melissa Pardi to discover what she does at the ISM.