Join us on a journey to become a Junior Paleontologist!  Before getting into the excavation lab, your child will learn about who a paleontologist is, what he/she does and what tools they will use. Using their own tools, your leaner will then apply that newly learned knowledge (and a chocolate chip cookie) to create a site map and excavate their fossils! 

We will use interactive slides and games throughout the class to introduce new vocabulary and discuss the role of a paleontologist in our world. As it directly applies to this topic, we will be talking about the key qualities that a paleontologist would need to have to be successful. 

During the laboratory activity portion of this class, the learners will be able to apply their knowledge and will use tools (toothpick and paintbrush) to excavate the chocolate chips from the cookie. They will record their thinking and findings in their journal (to be sent prior to class). Students will practice making predictions. They will also be asked to consider other tools that might be helpful or a more efficient method that they can use to excavate the fossils (chocolate chips) next time. Finally, we will talk about how students felt about being a paleontologist. Was it more difficult than they expected? 

This will be a hands-on, interactive laboratory experiment class that allows students to take their knowledge and put it into action as they earn their Junior Paleontologist badge! 

Items that your learner will need during class: 
* Excavation Lab booklet (will be emailed before class) 
* One chocolate chip cookie
* paintbrush
* toothpick
* crayons/colored pencils
* paper towel