Introduction
Imagine you could travel back in time. What plants and animals would you see living in this very spot? Although we cannot get there, yet…you could find some clues!
Start digging. You are about to become a famous paleontologist for the discovery of a never before found fossil.
Task
However, before earning fame and respect from fellow scientists, you must first work to become a field expert.
Watch this video clip,
then navigate through the tabs in this link. You may also use pages 192-200 of your textbook.
In the table below describe the most common types of fossils. Also, include a visual from Britannica images for each category in the far right column.
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Type of Fossil |
Description |
Image |
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Molds and Casts |
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Permineralization |
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Petrification |
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Trace Fossils |
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Preserved Remains |
Next, use these links to compare and contrast the two methods scientists use to determine the age of fossils:
https://garden.smith.edu/sites/garden/files/Fossil%20Dating%20panel.pdf
https://www.uwlax.edu/mvac/process-of-archaeology/lab-analysis/dating/
Relative Dating Absolute Dating
Process
Congratulations you just uncovered a fossil; share your findings with the world!
Include the following information:
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the species of organism found,
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where it was found,
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the category of fossil you found & how you know,
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how old it is using both methods of dating,
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a drawing or 3D model of the fossil
Be sure to edit for spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
You may share this information live or via print or radio. Complete a newspaper or magazine article, or podcast with script and visuals, or present us with your lecture designed to be shared with a college class on paleontology.
Conclusion
Let’s reflect on this experience. Complete the Google Form reflection about your discovery.
Interested in learning more? Try the challenge in this site.
Credits
Absolute vs Relative Ages. You tube, www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNOmpXo2xlU.
Fossils 101. National Geographic, www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRuSmxJo_iA.
Integrated IScience. Columbus, Glencoe/McGraw Hill Education, 2012.