FOSSILS

1. Students are to comb through science news stories for articles about newly discovered fossils. Each student is to choose one of the fossils to research and make the subject of a trading card. Each finished card should contain the following: 

• The scientific name (and popular one, if known) and a brief description of the ancient plant or animal 
• Where the fossil was found and the scientist(s) who found it
• When the plant or animal lived, and what its environment was like at the time 
• Fun or interesting facts about the fossil 
• A picture of the fossil or of the plant or animal it represents. If students can’t find one to print and use (be sure they are mindful of copyrights), they can draw their own representations. 

Remind students that they need to keep their information brief, as it must all fit on the index card. They can print out their copy and images and glue or tape them to the index cards.

      2. These Web sites will take students to sites well worth the digging:

• Science News for Kids: click on the “Dinosaurs and Fossils” link for a good list of recent news stories http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/
• At ScienceDaily, a search for “fossils” in the archives brings up numerous finds by date http://www.sciencedaily.com/
• Dinosaur Illustrations Published by Discovery Education.  https://www.newdinosaurs.com

      3.  When students have finished their cards, allow them to present to the class if time allows. 

RUBRIC:

• 3 points: Students were highly engaged in class discussions; made a creative card including all of the requested information.
• 2 points: Students participated in class discussions; make a good card including most of the requested information.
• 1 point: Student participated minimally in class discussion; made an incomplete card.