Digging into the Past

Here is a 14-page lesson plan that deftly outlines a wonderful educational experience for your youngsters. In it, young scholars learn about a variety of animals that have left behind clues of their existence in fossil form. Many...

Youngsters examine four fossil replicas and chart their time periods, vertebrate or invertebrate, and the names of other organisms living at the same time. A specific fossil kit is available for sale if you do not have the same samples....

Go deep in your paleontology unit with this spectacular set of slides! It introduces viewers to the types of fossils, a few famous fossils, and the geologic eras. This is done with easy-to-read text, diagrams, photos, and even videos. 

Eight slides introduce viewers to the wonders and woes of fossil fuels. How are they formed? How do we use them? How do they harm the environment? And how can we conserve? All of these thoughts are briefly touched upon. In addition to...

Open with a discussion on weather and climate and then explain how tree rings can provide scientists with information about the earth's past climate. Pupils analyze graphics of simulated tree rings from various US locations for the...

Third graders examine living and non-living things and observe a plant growing in the classroom.  There are many additional resources to assist learning and extension work, they can read books, interact with PowerPoint presentations, and...

This engaging game about dinosaurs allows students to analyze and interpret fossil data, as well as engage in argument from evidence. The game helps students to understand that fossils provide evidence about the types of organisms that...

Young scholars label fossil imprints. For this Geology lesson, students view fossil imprints of several items. Young scholars explain what a fossil is.

Work samples, phenomena, assessment templates, and videos that directly address standard 3-LS4-1: fossil evidence of past environments.

This colorful, interactive site demonstrates how fossils can be used to discover a range of information about the past. Topics include Past Lives, Paleoecology, Geologic History, and Biodiversity.