Fiddling With Fossils
Designed by Michelle Cook for third grade students


Introduction to Fossils:
Do you ever wonder what use to live in the very spot you are living on now? How do we find out?  Many other people wonder the very same thing.  Scientist called paleontologist dig in the ground with special tools to uncover the mysteries of the past. Let's grab our backpack and join together with some of these experts to discover a world of long ago.


        Websites


1.  Do you want to see some interesting fossils?  Let's take a look at a few  paleontologists digging up some of theses treasures at the dinosphere in Indianapolis.
2.  Have you ever wanted to see the kinds of dinosaur fossils that have been found? Where in the world were they discovered?  Let's visit a fossil collection to learn more about fossilization. 

3.  Fossilization is a big word.  What is a fossil?  What do they look like?  Where do paleontologist keep them?  Try visiting the ultimate fossil page to explore the world of fossils.
4. Have you ever wondered how a paleontologist knows exactly what type of fossil he has found? How do they do that? Lets imagine we are paleontologist and take the “secret bones”challenge. 
5. Fossils are very deep under the ground.  Do you want to learn more about where and when fossils have been found? Join me in finding out more about how these fossils are found. 
6. We know that fossils are more than just dinosaurs.  However, I would love to see some pictures of these giants of the past.  How about taking a step back in time to the days of the dinosaurs? 
7. What is a vertebrate and an invertebrate?  What does that have to with a fossil that has just been discovered. Lets read what some important scientists have to say about these two types of fossils. 
8. Have you ever been to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History? What to take a trip to see what interesting dinosaur fossils they have on display?  Grab your camera and join me on a journey to the Smithsonian.

 
9. What is a pteranodon?  Where did they live before they went extinct?  If you think a jumbo jet is large, wait until you see these gigantic flying dinosaurs.
10. Paleontologist have learned a lot about fossils.  Lets find out about a fossil named “Bambi”.  If you think this is a cartoon character, you will be dangerously wrong!! 













 

 
 
 

Scenario #1
     You have been selected to join a group of paleontologist from the National Museum of Natural History.  As a fellow paleontologist you must have all the equipment needed to carefully remove a fossil from the ground.  These scientist are always prepared for a new discovery with their bag of special tools.  Fossils are very old and take a great deal of time to remove from the earth.  This is a great honor to be selected, so grab your backback and get ready to fiddle with fossils.
Steps
1. Go to the Dinoshpere web site #1 above, you can find out exactly what tools you will need in your backpack. 

2. After you have discovered what tools to use, make a  picture dictionary (staple plain paper together) of at least four tools you will need. 

3. Be sure to draw a picture of each of the tools with a brief description of what it is below your illustration.  You will be helping other young paleontologist like yourself get off to a “Dino-mite” start.
 
 
 
 

QCC Objectives for Scenario #1
1.Science QCC#16: 
  Discusses how fossils are formed and uncovered. Identifies where fossils are formed. 

2. Technology QCC#3:
    Demonstrates an understanding of the uses of technology and communication tools at home and in the community. 

 

Rubric for Scenario #1

Beginning

1

 Developing

2

 Accomplished

3

 Score
3rd Grade technology QCC #3
Demonstrates an understanding of the uses of technology and communication tools at home and in the community.
 Student is able to use online resources to gather information and express ideas with extra assistance. Student is able to use online resources to gather information and express ideas with some help.  Student is able to use online resources to gather information and express ideas without assistance.  
3rd Grade Science QCC#16
Discusses how fossils are formed and uncovered. Identifies where fossils are formed.
 Student is able to discuss how fossils are uncovered and identifies where fossils are formed with extra assistance. Student is able to discuss how fossils are uncovered and identifies where fossils are formed with some help. Student is able to discuss how fossils are uncovered and Identifies where fossils are formed without assistance.  
Written by Michelle Cook 7/17/02

 
 
 


Scenario #2

     Every year the Smithsonian Institute selects one lucky young scientist to add their collection to the many fossils they have on display in the museum.  You have been chosen this year as the “Young Paleontologist of the Year” due to your wonderful fossil discovery.  You must begin preparing your collection for the museum in Washington, D.C.. Don't forget the Smithsonian is one of the most popular museums in the world and only house the best fossils!

Steps

1. Want to see some other fossils to compare your collection with? Go to website #2 to see a variety of interesting fossils that have been on display around the world.

2. You need to make sure that you have a fantastic fossil to present to the Smithsonian.  If you will go to “pasta fossils” you will be able to create a fabulous fossil for your display at the Smithsonian. 

3. When you finish making your fossil count the number of bones (pasta) you used. 

4. On a large index card make a word problem using that number as the answer.   Position your brain teasing word problem under your fossil to add character to your display at the Smithsonian.



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  QCC Objectives for Scenario #2
1. Math QCC #33:  Identifies information needed to solve a given problem. 

2.Technology QCC #2:  Demonstrates understanding of basic technology. 

3. Science QCC #16:  Constructs and identifies where fossils are formed. 

Rubric for Scenario #2

Beginning

1

 Developing

2

 Accomplished

3

 Score
3rd grade Math QCC #33
Identifies information needed to solve a given problem. 

 

 The student identifies information needed to solve a given problem with extra assistance. The student identifies information needed to solve a given problem with some assistance. The student identifies information needed to solve a given problem without assistance.  
3rd Grade technology QCC #2
Demonstrates understanding of basic technology.
 The student demonstrates understanding of basic technology with extra assistance. The student demonstrates understanding of basic technology with some assistance. The student demonstrates understanding of basic technology without assistance.  
3rd Grade Science QCC#16
Constructs and identifies where fossils are formed.
  The student constructs and identifies where fossils are formed with extra assistance. The student constructs and identifies where fossils are formed with some assistance. The student constructs and identifies where fossils are formed without assistance.  

 Written by Michelle Cook 7/17/02

 


 
 

Hurry! Click here to learn more!
Explore "Fossil Fun" click here!

 



Email Me!
mcook@decatur.k12.ga.us

Mrs. Cook's Home Page

VSU Topic Page