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Paleontology Lesson Plans
Find teacher approved Paleontology lesson plan ideas and activities
In this lesson learners study the professional field of paleontology. They practice using digging and observation techniques that are used by paleontologists. Then they experiment with measurement techniques and concepts.
In this paleontology lesson, learners discover the tools paleontologist use and how they use them to uncover fossils. In this lesson learners also create their own fossils, read Digging up Dinosaurs, and deepen their understanding through a class discussion.
Learners explore the geological time line. In this inquiry based lesson, learners create a time capsule that represents a geological time period. The class will examine the time capsules to determine what time period each represents.
In this lesson students acquire a general knowledge of fossils and paleontology, the study of evidence of life in the past and identify the major invertebrate groups (phyla) commonly found in the fossil record.
Learners complete a unit on fossils, dinosaurs, and paleontology. They explore various websites, identify and classify different dinosaurs, describe the "Dinosaur Egg Project" and the technology being used, and compare/contrast two theories of dinosaur extinction.
Students research 1880s paleontological expeditions using correspondence between paleontologist Othniel Marsh and local farmer Marshall Felch, plan and determine budget for 1880's expedition, and determine budget for expedition in current year.
This lesson has students go to a dig where they prospect for bones which simulate fossils. They encase the bones in plaster and transport them back to school for further investigation.
In this lesson students act as paleontologists, examining pictures of dinosaur skeletons and applying their knowledge of the relationship between skeletal features and survival, to create 'Paleontology Reports' about their perceptions of the lives of these creatures.
Learners write a report about a paleontologist. In this paleontology lesson, learners research and write a report about a noted paleontologist. They discuss the importance of technology to paleontologists and how paleontologist excavate the fossils.
Learners investigate a paleontologist. In this paleontology lesson, learners conduct research on a specific paleontologist. Learners explore Dinosaur Park in the virtual world Second Life.
