Molly Ward

Ontogeny part of Cutting Edge:Paleontology:Activities
This activity allows even the youngest of learners to understand what the concept of ontogeny is, relative to humans and also applied to learning about dinosaurs.

Layer Cake Geology part of Cutting Edge:Paleontology:Activities
This activity visually introduces students to the idea of geologic time and the correlation between time, rock layers and fossils. It uses the familiar, relevant example of cake but teaches important concepts such as the Law of Superposition, and relative dating and hints at more advanced concepts such as the principle of faunal succession. This activity could also be modified and expanded to teach more in-depth paleontological topics including absolute dating and geologic mapping (as related to finding fossils).

Digging Dinosaurs part of Cutting Edge:Paleontology:Courses
"Digging Dinosaurs" is an approximately one hour long class for children (generally grades K-5, but could be adapted and used for older kids as well). The course focuses on the process of paleontology--how do paleontologists find and excavate fossils? Students will gain an understanding of the process of paleontology and an appreciation for the importance of science in the process of paleontology.