Junior Paleontologists - An Introduction to the Science of Paleontology
A class for students who can't get enough of history! This one time course teaches what paleontologists do, how they find fossils and how to study them.
Jack Davidson
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(8)
What's included
1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade 4 - 6
If you've ever wanted to dig up dinosaurs, wooly mammoths, and saber-toothed cats, this course will teach you how the professionals study prehistoric animals! This is a one time class where we will talk all about the science of paleontology, which is the study of prehistoric life. Join me for an hour and we will: - Learn who paleontologist are and what do they do! - Do an interactive activity where we pick a prehistoric animal and learn where to find its fossils! - Chat about cool discoveries paleontologists have made recently! My teaching style is very conversational and interactive. During the lesson I will be teaching, facilitating activities, as well as encouraging questions and class discussions. Whether this is your first experience with paleontology or if you just can't get enough of prehistory this course is for you! I've built the program to accommodate and encourage questions, tangents, and stories to provide a more comfortable and engaging experience. If the students have specific questions or if there's a specific prehistoric animal they want to talk about than feel free to email me at least one day before the lesson and I'll do my best to research and have an answer for them (the earlier the email the better the research I can do).
Learning Goals
The lesson will teach students all about the basics of paleontology. My goal for the students is to get them excited about science and show the true side of paleontology that is not always represented in movies and books.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This class is very light when it comes to sensitive content, but I am also aware that every student has a different level of comfort (I should know, I was a very sensitive kid). Below I've listed any topics that could be upsetting, but feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
What we will be talking about:
- Animals dying and becoming fossils
- Extinction
Topics that can come up when discussing paleontology:
- Mass Extinction
- This can include things like asteroid impacts, volcanoes, floods, droughts, and climate change
- This can lead to discussions about our modern environmental crisis
- Bias and lack of diversity in paleontology and other S.T.E.M fields
- While paleontology has become much more progressive and accepting over the last few years, it is still important to acknowledge that
it is still not a very diverse field.
- Predation (animals hunting other animals)
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2021
4.8
8reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have a Bachelors of Science Honors degree in Earth Sciences with specialization in Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoecology. I have been on field expeditions digging up dinosaurs in Alberta, Canada, and performed research on dinosaur fossils associated with several museums across Canada.
I also have over 7 years of experience in science education as a science communicator at museums and science centers. These jobs involve discussing science with the public, designing new activities, and writing descriptions to be used in signage. In addition I have taken university classes and attended seminars that specifically teach communicating science in simple and understandable ways to a variety of age groups.Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$12
per classMeets once
50 min
Completed by 23 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-12
2-9 learners per class
