Fantastic Fossils (Fossil Fondue)

While this resource shows that it was developed for middle school, it is a great resource for teaching 5th grade fossils.  Students learn about fossils — what they are, how they are formed, and why scientists and engineers care about them. The best part of the lesson is an activity using chocolate to create fossils of plastic toys. In this lesson plan, students learn about fossils u2014 what they are, how they are formed, and why scientists and engineers care about them.

Weblink address (URL): 
Fantastic Fossils (Fossil Fondue)

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

After this lesson, students should be able to:

  • Define fossil.
  • Describe how fossils are formed.
  • Explain why engineers might study fossils.
     

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Applying
Extension suggestions: 
  • Arrange a field trip to a natural history museum so students can see examples of fossils.
  • If you live near a dinosaur dig or other historical dig area, arrange a field trip to a dig site. With advance reservations, some sites allow students to participate in the dig.
  • Scientists who study fossils are called paleontologists. Have students research what a paleontologist does and give an oral presentation, "A Day in the Life of a Paleontologist."
  • Ask students to research magnetic resonance imaging, computer-assisted tomography, and mass spectrometry, reporting back to the class a description of what these tools do for us.

References

Contributors: 
Karla Fultz
Originator: 
Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation