1. Topic-
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| Discovering fossils and identifying the different types |
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2. Content-
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| Vocabulary Words: fossil, paleontologist, true fossils, cast fossils,
mold, and trace fossils |
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3. Goals: Aims/Outcomes-
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1.Students will be able to define fossil.
2.Students will be able to list and describe the four types of fossils.
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4. Objectives-
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Students will participate in the "Fossil Dig" activity.
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5. Materials and Aids-
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| book, box, sand, shovel, Chips Ahoy chocolate chip cookies (there
will be several cookies placed in the box with sand in it), paintbrushes,
toothpicks, napkins |
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6. Procedures/Methods-
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A. Introduction-
-Read a book on Fossils which describes different types of fossils,
what they are found in, and what scientists can learn from fossils.
-Have class discussion about fossils after reading the book.
-Ask the students if they have ever seen a fossil. |
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B. Development-
-Introduction of vocabulary terms: paleontologist, true fossils,
cast fossils, mold, and trace fossils.
-Use vocabulary words and definitions on blackboard. Give and example
of each type of fossil. |
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C. Practice-
1. Call students up by rows. Have each student dig with a small
shovel through the box of sand to find a "fossilized rock" (which
is a chocolate chip cookie). Tell students not to eat the cookie!!
2. Each student will take their "fossilized rock" back to their seat
and brush off the excess sand with a "fossil brush" (paintbrush).
3. Using a "fossil pick" (toothpick), students will pick the "fossils"
(chocolate chips) out of their "rocks" (cookies).
4. When all students are finished, we will discuss as a class which
types of fossils were represented in the activity. The chocolate chips
that were picked out resemble true fossils and the indents that remain
from the chips resemble molds. |
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D. Independent Practice-
On their own time, students may use the computers to explore the
website www.projectexploration.org. The site contains abundant information
about paleontologists, fossils, and dinosaurs.
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E. Accommodations (Differentiated Instruction)-
Watch student more carefully and give him/her extra instructions
to make sure he/she follows the correct procedure during the activity.
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F. Checking for understanding-
| Review all of the types of fossils in a class discussion. |
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G. Closure-
-Students can search their own backyards at home to find objects
that have or could become fossilized.
-Each student will receive a chocolate chip cookie to enjoy! |
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