Science Struck: The Meaning of Index Fossils Explained

More of a mini-unit than a activity, these activities lead inquisitors through a survey of oil deposits. In the first part, they read about and view diagrams of sedimentary rock layers that trap oil. Next, they test porosity and...

The focus of a fossil-based lesson uses graphs and charts that allow young paleontologists to make inferences about events of mass extinction. They must apply their previous knowledge about fossil records in this final lesson of the...

Sharks contain a cartilage skeleton, rather than bone, so they rarely appear in the fossil record. The video explains why we find shark teeth and how scientists use that tiny piece of information to learn about sharks. Then, it presents...

A paleontologist finds a fossil, but then what happens? An engaging video explains what happens to fossils once they make it back to the lab. It then demonstrates three different ways of excavating the fossil from the matrix. 

How can we bend a fossil? Junior paleontologists explore the joint movements of extinct species in Brain Scoop's Fossils and Geology series. The narrator works with a paleontology curator to show the experiments performed on the...

Do all species evolve? A timeless video that is part of the "Eons" playlist explains the term living fossils. It presents the species that many believe haven't evolved over millions of years. It goes on to break down each assumption and...

A webcast presents a way to dig deeper into the ecosystems from dinosaur eras based on data gathered from small fossils versus what big dinosaur bones may reveal. [36:40]

Plastic bags, laptops, and even toothpaste all contain petroleum. A lesson explains how to define fossil fuels, including petroleum, and the many uses for fossil fuels in our everyday lives. It also details why new sources need to...

Know your number! Diabetes and heart disease both increase with higher body mass index numbers. Understanding the body mass index (BMI) helps scholars take control of their own health. They view a comparison of what various BMI...

This comprehensive study guide covers the main terms and concepts needed for an earth science unit on what we can learn about the early earth from fossils. Review questions are included at the bottom of the study guide.