Begin the lesson by introducing the concept of extinction and why some creatures go extinct. Discuss the importance of fossils in understanding the past.
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Learning From Organisms
Learning Objectives
- Understand the concept of extinction and why some creatures go extinct.
- Identify examples of organisms that have survived over millions of years and discuss how they have adapted to changing environments.
- Explain how fossils can provide information about past environments and the organisms that lived in them.
- Compare modern animals with their ancient counterparts to understand evolutionary connections.
- Explore the characteristics and habitats of long-surviving species like crocodiles and horseshoe crabs.
Introduction and Hook
Engage students with a discussion on long-surviving species like crocodiles and horseshoe crabs, highlighting their adaptations over millions of years.
Direct Instruction
Watch the video 'Organisms of the Past – Wooly Mammoths' to understand the life and extinction of woolly mammoths, emphasizing their adaptations to the Ice Age environment.
Explore the video 'All About the Dinosaurs' to learn about the diverse characteristics and adaptations of dinosaurs, aiding in understanding their ecological roles.
Guided Exploration
Discuss how fossils can provide information about past environments and the organisms that lived in them. Encourage students to compare modern animals with their ancient counterparts.
Use images of fossils and modern creatures to illustrate evolutionary connections and adaptations.
Hands-On Activity
Engage students in the 'Making Fossils' activity, where they create a fossil using materials like plaster and clay, fostering observation and analytical skills.
Independent Practice
Assign the 'Discovering the Ice Age' assessment to help students describe the Ice Age and explore how scientists learn about past organisms.
Check for Understanding
Use the 'All About Fossils' assessment to check students' understanding of the fossilization process and its significance in studying Earth's history.
Review and Reflection
Encourage students to reflect on the characteristics and habitats of long-surviving species and their evolutionary connections with ancient organisms.
Assessment and Extension
Conclude with the 'Learning From Fossils' assessment, where students analyze fossil exhibits to interpret data about ancient organisms and their environments.
Encourage students to take the quiz to test their comprehension of the unit.
Try the Quiz
