Local educators invited to uncover ‘The Curious Case of the Fairview Mammoth’
Over 100 students and adults recently visited the Fairview Museum of History and Art and showed enthusiasm for the opportunity to pose with a 10,000 year old Mammoth named "Spirit." The giant Columbian Mammoth was discovered in 1988 a short distance away in Sanpete's mountains and fits nicely with the Utah history and geography all fourth graders study. In addition, many other parts of elementary CORE curriculum subjects are covered up close and personal for the children, thus reinforcing what they learn in school.
FAIRVIEW — Local teachers are being traded the chalkboard for a magnifying glass this March. The Natural History Museum of Utah has partnered with the Fairview Museum of History and Art to host a unique, free professional development workshop titled “The Curious Case of the Fairview Mammoth.”
The event, scheduled for Monday, March 23, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., invites K-12 educators to step into a real-life scientific mystery. At the center of the investigation is Spirit, the Fairview Mammoth, a local icon whose story blends Ice Age biology with modern-day discovery.
A hands-on night at the museum
Moving beyond traditional lectures, the workshop offers an interactive evening designed to blend science, history, and storytelling. Participants will:
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Investigate the Mystery: Team up with fellow educators to explore the “curious case” of Spirit.
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Go Behind the Scenes: Enjoy an exclusive, after-hours guided tour of the Fairview Museum led by expert museum staff.
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Take Home Tools: Every attendee will leave with a ready-to-implement lesson plan for their own classroom.
Professional benefits
In addition to the hands-on experience, the workshop provides tangible benefits for professional growth. Teachers will earn two hours of relicensure credit for their participation, making it a valuable opportunity to satisfy state requirements while engaging with local history.
The partnership highlights a commitment to bringing high-quality, museum-led resources directly to the Fairview community, ensuring that the wonders of Utah’s natural history remain accessible to the educators shaping the next generation.
Event details at a glance
| Date | Monday, March 23rd |
| Time | 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. |
| Cost | Free for K-12 Teachers |
| Location | Fairview Museum of History and Art |
| Credit | 2 Hours Relicensure Credit |
Registration information
Space is limited for this interactive event. Interested educators can register or find more information by visiting nhmu.utah.edu/EducatorWorkshops.
