Archaeologists made a remarkable discovery at San Pedro High School in Los Angeles when a renovation project unveiled a trove of ancient fossils dating back to the Late Miocene time period, around 8.7 million years ago. The excavation, which began in early 2023, has resulted in the discovery of millions of fossils, making it one of the largest fossil bonebeds ever found in California. Among the fascinating fossils found at the site are juvenile megalodon shark teeth, sabretooth salmon jaw bones, sea turtle bones, baleen whale vertebrae, seabird bones, dolphin bones, and even fossilized dolphin coprolites containing small fish bones. Some of the fish species found have never been recorded in Southern California, adding to the significance of the discovery.
Dr. Wayne Bischoff, director of cultural resources for Envicom Corporation, explained that the excavation took place in the courtyard of the school, which had not been significantly impacted since the campus was built in 1936. The discovery of these ancient fossils has not only captivated scientists but has also provided a unique hands-on learning opportunity for students. While students were not allowed on the active construction site, they have assisted in sorting and identifying fossils and shells in the laboratory. Future plans for the discovery involve students taking on a larger role in creating educational displays, murals, and showcasing some of the fossils that have been recovered. The fossils are currently being held at various locations, including the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, LAUSD, the Cabrillo Aquarium, and California State University Channel Islands.
The archaeological discovery at San Pedro High School has uncovered a variety of fossils from species that no longer exist today, offering valuable insights into the region’s prehistoric past when the Palos Verdes Peninsula was underwater. The excavation project, which began as part of a routine renovation in early 2023, has snowballed into a massive undertaking that has yielded millions of fossils and provided scientists with a wealth of information about the ancient ecosystem that once existed in the area. The unique findings, which include rare specimens such as megalodon shark teeth and sabretooth salmon jaw bones, have attracted considerable interest from the scientific community and have sparked excitement among students who have had the opportunity to participate in the discovery process.
As the excavation continues, the fossils recovered from the site are carefully documented and preserved for further study. The fossils are currently housed at various institutions, including the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, LAUSD, the Cabrillo Aquarium, and California State University Channel Islands. Plans are in place to involve students in future phases of the project, allowing them to contribute to the creation of educational displays and murals that showcase the recovered fossils. By engaging students in the scientific process, the archaeological discovery at San Pedro High School has not only expanded our knowledge of prehistoric life in Southern California but has also provided a unique opportunity for hands-on learning and exploration of the region’s ancient past.
In addition to the scientific significance of the fossils found at San Pedro High School, the discovery has also had a positive impact on the educational experience of students involved in the project. While students have not been allowed on the active construction site, they have been able to collaborate with researchers in the laboratory to sort and identify fossils and shells from the collection. This hands-on learning experience has allowed students to actively engage with the scientific process, sparking curiosity and fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural history of the region. By involving students in the study and preservation of these ancient fossils, the project has not only enriched their academic experience but has also inspired a new generation of scientists and researchers to explore the natural world.
Overall, the discovery of ancient fossils at San Pedro High School has been a remarkable journey that has captured the imagination of scientists, archaeologists, and students alike. The excavation of millions of fossils from the Late Miocene time period has shed light on the prehistoric ecosystem that existed in Southern California millions of years ago, revealing a diverse array of species that once roamed the region. As the project continues to unfold, students are expected to play a more prominent role in creating educational displays and showcasing the recovered fossils, further enhancing their learning experience and deepening their understanding of the region’s ancient past. The archaeological discovery at San Pedro High School is not only a testament to the rich natural history of the area but also a testament to the power of hands-on learning and exploration in inspiring future generations to engage with the wonders of the natural world.
