Introduction
Guiding Questions
- What are fossils, and the different types?
- How are fossils formed, and where are they found?
- What can fossils tell us about evolution on earth?
- Who studies fossils, how and why?
Learning Objectives
- Students will be able to describe what fossils are and the process in which fossils are made (SC.7.E.6.3)
- Students will be able to differentiate the different types of fossils (SC.7.E.6.3)
- Students will be able to analyze how fossils provide examples of evolution on earth (SC.7.L.15.1)
- Students will evaluate who studies fossils, how they do it and why
Task
Students will work in groups to create a poster board on fossils that will be presented in class
- Explain what fossils are and the different types.
- Explain where fossils are found, how there formed and what it tells us about earths evolution.
- Explain who studies fossils, how they do it and why.
- Create a board that is creative and provides visuals.
Process
Research (Each person will focus on one thing to research and then report back to group members to discuss)
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Person 1: Investigate what fossils are and different types of fossils
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Person 2: Find out where fossils are found, how there formed and what it tells us about earths evolution
- Person 3: Find out more information on who studies fossils, how and why they study fossils
Use links provided below to gather research
How fossils are formed, found, and tells us about earth's evolution/history
Formation of fossils and fun facts
Creating poster board
- Collaborate together and share research found, provide feedback, and insight
- Organize research into a word document to be printed out onto board or write on a piece of paper to put on board or write directly onto board
- Print out pictures to show examples of fossils, and explain the type of fossil it is. Use your research and try your best to identify it
- Poster board must be creative and colorful
- Pick who will present what information
Presentation
- Rehearse together, and make sure everything is well made and organized
- Information must be communicated clearly, and must be as factual as possible
- Must be able to answer questions on topic, to show understanding
Evaluation
| 4 Outstanding |
3 Good |
2 Fair |
1 Unsatisfactory | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Content | All information is factual, and supported with research | Minor errors in information, some supported with research | Missing some information, and not fully supported with research | Content is not factual and information is not supported with research |
| Organization/Board | Is well organized, information is easy to understand. Board is colorful, and has engaging visuals | Mostly well organized, most information is easy to understand. Board is mostly colorful, and has good visuals | Some sections are disorganized, some information is easy to understand. Some of the board is colorful, and some good visuals | Project is not well organized, information is not easy to understand. Board is plain, no good visuals |
| Teamwork | Outstanding teamwork, each group member contributed equally to project | Good teamwork, most group members contributed to project | Okay teamwork, some group members contributed to project | Poor teamwork, few group members contributed to project |
| Presentation | Information was presented well, showed excellent understanding of topic | Information was presented good, showed acceptable understanding of topic | Information was presented ok, showed limited understanding of topic | Information was presented unclearly, showed little to no understanding of topic |
Conclusion
Great job digging into the world of fossils!
You learned:
- What fossils are, and the different types
- Where fossils are found, how there formed, and what it tells us about earths evolution
- Who studies fossils, how they do it and why
Enrichment Activity
In this activity you will get to be a Paleontologis! With this dig simulation you will get to dig fossils, learn about the different species, and understand how fossilization works.
- Click on the link
- Select an area to dig
- Once fossil is found click on it to learn more about it, and answer questions