How Old is that Thing on that Rock?
Initial Publication Date: September 15, 2008
Summary
In this introductory activity, the students will observe collected fossils (taken from the Decorah Shale, Twin Cites, MN) using magnifying glasses. They will hypothesize/predict what they are seeing and how old it might be. After writing down hypothesis/prediction on paper and drawing a picture of what they are looking at, they can compare what they are looking at to descriptions of common fossil forms.
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Learning Goals
This activity is designed for students to use their observational skills to determine what they are looking at.
Compare and Contrast what they are seeing to the sheet of common fossil forms.
Formulate a prediction on what they are seeing and how old they think it is.
Compare and Contrast what they are seeing to the sheet of common fossil forms.
Formulate a prediction on what they are seeing and how old they think it is.
Context for Use
-All day-every day kindergarten classroom.
-20 - 25 students
-30 minutes
-Lab activity
Materials:
-Magnifying glasses
-Fossils
-Paper to record
-Common fossil forms sheet.
Students will have already worked on observational skills. This activity will happen in the 3rd quarter to give students the time they need to be able to write their predictions down (for the most part) and accurately draw a picture. This could be easily adapted into other settings.
-20 - 25 students
-30 minutes
-Lab activity
Materials:
-Magnifying glasses
-Fossils
-Paper to record
-Common fossil forms sheet.
Students will have already worked on observational skills. This activity will happen in the 3rd quarter to give students the time they need to be able to write their predictions down (for the most part) and accurately draw a picture. This could be easily adapted into other settings.
Description and Teaching Materials
This lesson will be introduced by taking a walk outside, looking in the ground for rocks, and wondering how long they have been there and what might be on them. I will tell the students about a time I went to collect fossils. I will explain to them that fossils are very old and they have wonderful surprises on them. Things that use to be alive are now visible on fossils. I will the pass out the fossils to the student along with magnifying glasses. They will work with a partner or a small group to predict what they are looking at, how old it is, and to draw an accurate picture of it. Then we will compare their fossil to the common fossil forms sheet to see what it is and see if their prediction was close. Closure strategies will be to challenge them to find fossils on their own, and predict what they may be finding.
Teaching Notes and Tips
I gathered fossils from Lilydale, but this would also be a fun field trip for the students. A guided discovery of using magnifying glasses and handling fossils would be helpful before hand. I have done observing of nature with my students before but this will be the first time we observe fossils.
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Assessment
I will view the prediction sheet and drawing the students complete and will determine the students' understanding level through that and discussions had with partner/group members and myself.
Standards
KINDERGARTEN I.B.1. The student will observe and describe common objects using simple tools.