triceratops

THE SANTA MONICA MUSEUM OF
NATURAL HISTORY

FOSSIL IDENTIFICATION, HANDS-ON PROJECT

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CLICK ON TITLES BELOW FOR OTHER SPECIFIC LESSON PLANS

Fossil Identification Presentation
Dinosaur Fossil Identification, Hands-On Project
Dinosaur Identification Presentation
Internship Programs

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OVERVIEW

With the instructor's specifically formatted project, participants will get the chance to touch, hold, and identify a variety of fossil fragments including: bones, carbon imprints, remains, and exoskeleton structures.

MATERIALS

INSTRUCTIONS

This hands-on project works in conjunction with any fossil project discussed in the Fossil Identification Presentation. The hands-on project is open-ended so instructors can format the project for any age, group size, resource availability, and time constraints. For projects based on geologic time, land creatures, and environmental conditions, instructors can have a variety of different fossils displaying what animals ate, surrounding foliage, and rock samples from corresponding formations. For background information, use the material provided in the Fossil Identification Presentation lesson plan. 

ACTIVITIES

Instructor Presentation

Depending on the group size and amount of specimens, arrange the trays with one or two of each type of fossil. In each tray place identification labels for each specimen. Be sure to include in each label the fossil's scientific name, common name, age, and where it was found. Set out the magnifying glasses and rulers with the trays. Set aside, for easy access, Fossil Identification dittos and all other paper and supplies. Use the Instructor's Fossil List by writing down how many fossils are to be used. If resources are available, set up a display of animal replicas, diagrams, and pictures. This will give students the chance to see what the fossils looked like when they existed on our Earth.

Presentation and Procedure

  • 1. Ask the students what they know about fossils and dinosaurs

  • 2. Give a scientific definition of fossils.

  • 3. Divide participants into groups of 2-5 people each.

  • 4. Before passing out the trays, review with the groups the rules of lab safety and specimen care. Note: Do not let participants walk around with specimens. Specimens are to be kept at the assigned tables. If someone from another group wants to see another group's fossils, then they can move from table to table (if time permits).

  • 5. Depending on the age or responsibility level of a group, have each group sign out the trays (use Sign Out List ditto).

  • 6. Let the students have a chance to look and study each fossil using magnifying glasses and rulers. Note: Take an active role in this demonstration by answering questions and making sure everyone has a chance to see each specimen. Point out interesting facts about each specimen.

  • 7. For younger children ages 2-4 and for short time period presentations, this project ends. Note: Make sure all fossils are collected and accounted for. Verify everything with the Sign Out List dittos.

  • 8. Pass out the Fossil Identification dittos, two to each student, if participants finish the two dittos, then pass out new dittos one at a time.
  • 9. Using crayons, markers, pens, pencils, and rulers, students have the chance to measure and draw what each fossil looks like. Have each student write the fossil information down using the labels as a reference. Help younger children write the information down. Note: For older students ages 11 and up, have the students identify each part within the fossil by drawing lines pointing to individual structures and writing the body part down.

  • 10. For children ages 5-10, have them create their own Paleontologist's Log Book. Take the finished Fossil Identification dittos and place them in between two pieces of construction paper and staple it all together like a book. Let the children write their names on the Paleontologist's Log Book slips. Glue, tape, or staple the slips on the covers of their books. If time permits, let the children draw fossils on the cover.

  • 11. Collect all materials used and verify that each fossil has been returned.
    •  

    site-mapreference-bin

    CLICK ON TITLES BELOW FOR OTHER SPECIFIC LESSON PLANS

    Fossil Identification Presentation
    Dinosaur Fossil Identification, Hands-On Project
    Dinosaur Identification Presentation
    Internship Programs

    | Back to In-Class Main Page |

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