Hunting for Fossils: Clues to the Past (Flex)

This is an interactive class in which learner's will get a glimpse into the life of a paleontologist and learn about how fossils form and what they can teach us about the past.  Fossils tell stories!  We will even create our own fossil imprints!  

Learners will interact with the teacher and peers each week by posting images or recordings of the activities in the Outschool classroom and through the learner messages in the Outschool classroom.  Learner's are able to share artifacts they may have relating to the class topics as well.  I will be sharing natural fossils in the Outschool classroom as well!  I can't wait to hunt for fossils with you and learn about our Earth's history!

Meeting 1:  Paleontology and fossils - What is a paleontologist and what are fossils?
I will be sharing authentic fossils with the class and allow learners to share an artifact with the class in the Outschool classroom.  We will be using Nearpod and making a What is a paleontologist poster!  You can even come to class dressed as a paleontologist!  I will be wearing my paleontologist hat for sure!

Meeting 2:  How do fossils form and what are the different types of fossils?  We will be making four types of fossils
Supplies Needed:  White model magic, Small plastic dinosaur, Crayola markers
Learners will share their fossils in the Outschool classroom allowing the class to see all of the different types of fossils!  One young paleontologist may see something in a fossil that the fossil maker/finder didn't notice!  I can't wait to exchange fossil information with all of you!

Meeting 3:  How do paleontologists dig for fossils?
Activity:  Cookie Excavation Experiment (Become a fossil hunting expert!)
Learners will post recordings of what they found in their fossil for everyone to compare their own findings with!  Will we see similarities in our fossils?  We will find out!

Meeting 4:  How do fossils teach us about the history of our Earth?  
*Young paleontologists will be able to complete a final activity to that they can present to the class via images and/or recording that can be posted in the classroom.  


The course will include hands-on activities, interactive presentations and fun videos throughout.  Each weekly meeting is pre-recording and the recordings for each meeting will be posted weekly.  Students will have opportunities to participate in discussions with myself and peers each week as well as a lot of fun games/activities.  Student will be able to share recordings or pictures of the activities each week with other learners in the class.  

Young paleontologists will learn about their jobs and why fossil hunting is more than just fun but that it also teaches scientists about our Earth's past!  Join me on this adventure as we learn about fossils!