Return to Headlines
MNHS Students Learn from Paleontologists
Freshmen in the Science and Engineering Learning Center at Manalapan High School recently had a visit from two paleontologists. Dr. Martin Becker, a professor at William Paterson University, and Harry Maisch, a graduate assistant pursing his doctorate degree, stopped by the school on November 16th.
Dr. Becker and Mr. Maisch met with AP Biology students, enhancing the theory of evolution portion of the curriculum by discussing Darwin’s moth. Based off a specific type of orchid, Charles Darwin predicted a moth with a long, tubular mouthpiece must exist to pollinate the plant. Nearly 42 years later, this moth, referred to now as Darwin’s moth, was found.
Highlighting his work as a paleontologist, Dr. Becker brought in fossil samples for the students to inspect including pieces he personally dug out of riverbeds. He described where the fossils dated from on the geological time scale. Students posed questions about when other creatures such as dinosaurs appeared on the scale.
Dr. Becker gave the students a few gifts, allowing them to take home shark teeth.
Dr. Becker and Mr. Maisch met with AP Biology students, enhancing the theory of evolution portion of the curriculum by discussing Darwin’s moth. Based off a specific type of orchid, Charles Darwin predicted a moth with a long, tubular mouthpiece must exist to pollinate the plant. Nearly 42 years later, this moth, referred to now as Darwin’s moth, was found.
Highlighting his work as a paleontologist, Dr. Becker brought in fossil samples for the students to inspect including pieces he personally dug out of riverbeds. He described where the fossils dated from on the geological time scale. Students posed questions about when other creatures such as dinosaurs appeared on the scale.
Dr. Becker gave the students a few gifts, allowing them to take home shark teeth.