Austin Nature & Science Center Field Experience

Paleo Explorers

Source: Site Developed Program

Time: 1 to 2 hours (flexible - talk with staff)

Students use equipment to measure, dig and calculate as they explore the Dino Pit exhibit. Students learn about geologic time, characteristics of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures and the process of paleontology while observing, predicting, inferring and recording data. Students realize that fossils present us with clues about our past as they compare prehistoric creatures with those of modern day relatives.

Reflection and Sharing Jigsaw: After each group digs their fossils and grids them out, each group member numbers off. All students with the same number group together. Each representative reports to the new group what they discovered and their conclusions about the animals found.

Tips

• Check out the information on the Dino Pit fossils before you go: Information on Dino Pit Fossils.

• Teachers may want to call ahead to ANSC to reserve the use of a grid—(1 meter by 1 meter size) or bring their own dowels and yarn to mark off a grid. Student groups are assigned a certain pit number (1 through 6). Students will measure the area of their assigned Dino Pit and decide the best way to grid the pit. The grid must correspond with the grid worksheet.

• After a pit is marked off with a grid, students go to work to uncover fossils with tools. Once fossils are uncovered, students use tools to measure and accurately record findings on grid sheets. Students use their findings to speculate on the function of the fossil structures they observe. Discussion of the form and function of fossils help to identify the fossil. Identification can be confirmed by comparing their findings with information on the plaques around the Dino Pit.

• Be sure to look at the suggested Post-Visit Activity: Ask a Paleontologist. Students should record questions for a paleontologist in their field journal while on their visit.

TEKS: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5, 8.12, 8.14
TAKS Objectives: 1, 5

Pre-Visit Suggestion

Paleontology Kit
Free kit to check out.

Life Has a History
This activity provides students with an introduction to the history of life and how it results in the biodiversity of today.

Dino-Mite Web Quest
Students work in teams to research a specific family of dinosaurs.

Post-Visit Suggestions

Paleontology Kit
Free kit to check out.

Geologic Age
Two activities that will help your students to understand the concept of geologic age and rates of radioactive decay.