Each of these drawers invites an exploration of nature—including local fossils, crystals, dragonflies, and rattlesnake rattles. Clear acrylic glass covers in the drawers protect the specimens and provide up-close viewing. Open a drawer and make a discovery!
The majority of the drawers represent fossil-bearing rock layers in the Austin area. Visitors are able to locate their home or school on a geologic map and stratigraphic chart on the adjacent wall. To identify fossils commonly found in that rock layer, match the color and/or geological code on the map and chart with the labels on the drawers.
Learn more about the Discovery Drawers at Texas Natural Science Center's Non-vertebrate Paleontology Laboratory.
