Name of Workstation Rotation: Fossils-Clues To The Past

 

Main Curriculum Area: Science

 

Grade Level: 8th

 

Other Subjects Covered: Language Arts

 

Primary Goal and Objective: To find and learn about trace fossils andTo learn how a fossil can reveal and provide clues about the earth's past.

 

Teacher's Goals/Objectives for this Workstation Rotation: To create a small community for learning biological change.

 

Material/Resources Needed: Sand,Support Materials

 

Technology Resources Needed: Computer,Digital Camera

 

Approximate Time Required for One Rotation: 52 mintues

 

Approximate Time Required for a Full Cycle of Rotations: 2 Hours 45 Minutes

 

Pre-Activities: Support Materials

 

Workstations - A Short Description of Each One: Center 1(Classifying Fossils),Center 2

(Interpreting Fossil Molds),Center 3(A Fossil Dig)

Workstations - A Detailed Description of Each One (please include resources required and strategies for assessment)

 

Workstation #1: Classifying Fossils(Use A Key To Classify Fossils/Devise A Key To Classify A Group Of Dinosaurs)

 

Workstation #2: Interpreting Fossil Molds(Make A Mold and Cast)

 

Workstation #3: A Fossil Dig(Identify and Research 4 Fossils/Create A Poster or Mini Page)

 

Workstation #4: (add more if needed)

 

Supplemental Resources / Information for Teachers:Prehistoric Life(Evolution and The Fossil Record)-Dr.Joe Carter and Dr.Jean DeSaix,Evolution-Change Over Time-Prentice Hall Science-1994,Fossil Collection in North Carolina-Bulletin 89[Department ofEnvironmen,Health and Natural Resources,Division of Land Resources-1988/Pliocene Mollusca-From The Yorktown and Chowan River Formations in Virgina-Lyle D. Campbell

 

Relevant Web Sites: http://www.gene.com and then links to sites like Tree of Life,Berkley Museum of Paleontology,etc.

 

Additional Comments from the Author of This Lesson: My interest was regenerated by my recent participation in Exploring Biological Concepts at UNCCH directed by Dr Joe Carter and Dr Jean De Saix.

 

About the Author:

 

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