Begin the lesson by discussing the concept of fossils as historical records of life on Earth. Highlight how fossils provide insights into ancient environments and species.
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Learning from Fossils
Learning Objectives
- Understand how fossils serve as historical records of life on Earth millions of years ago.
- Identify how fossils can reveal information about ancient plant and animal life, including their environments and behaviors.
- Explain how the discovery and analysis of fossils, such as Archaeopteryx, contribute to our understanding of ancient species and their lifestyles.
- Recognize the significance of trace fossils and what they reveal about past life and environmental conditions.
- Learn how the location and depth of fossils can provide insights into their age and the history of the Earth's surface.
Introduction and Hook
Introduce the Archaeopteryx fossil as a case study to illustrate how fossils can reveal information about ancient life forms and their behaviors.
Direct Instruction
Explain the process of fossilization and how fossils are used by scientists to understand Earth's history.
Discuss the significance of trace fossils and what they reveal about past life and environmental conditions.
Guided Exploration
Watch the video 'Organisms of the Past – Wooly Mammoths' to understand how these creatures adapted to their environment and the factors leading to their extinction.
Explore the video 'All About the Dinosaurs' to learn about the diversity and adaptations of dinosaurs across different periods.
Hands-On Activity
Engage students in a hands-on activity to create their own fossils using modeling clay and plaster. This activity helps students understand the fossilization process.
Independent Practice
Assign students to research and present on a specific fossil or ancient organism, focusing on what it reveals about past environments.
Check for Understanding
Use the assessment 'Discovering the Ice Age' to evaluate students' understanding of historical climate events and extinction processes.
Review and Reflection
Reflect on the significance of fossils in understanding Earth's history and discuss how new fossil discoveries can change our understanding of the past.
Assessment and Extension
Complete the 'Learning From Fossils' assessment to analyze and interpret data about ancient organisms and their environments.
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