Curated OER
Dig This
Fifth graders explore the work of paleontologists and the life of dinosaurs and create a sculpture of the bones of a Stegosaurus. The sculpture was then buried and used by other classes for a dig.
It's About Time
Mass Extinction and Fossil Records
The focus of a fossil-based lesson uses graphs and charts that allow young paleontologists to make inferences about events of mass extinction. They must apply their previous knowledge about fossil records in this final lesson of the...
Curated OER
Mesozoic Murals
Learners create a mural of one of the Mesozoic Periods. For this geologic timeline lesson, students will research the plants and animals that lived in the Mesozoic Era in order to create a mural to scale that represents one of the three...
Curated OER
Relative Dating-Telling Time Using Fossils
Students explore how to read fossil range charts. They develop an knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of the fossil record. Students become familiar with the concepts index fossil and fossil range. Students use bar graphs to...
Curated OER
Recombinant DNA to Protect Crops
Students are asked to recount their greatest hopes and fears concerning DNA. One article states how worthwhile gene manipulation in plants can be. Classroom discussions arise after reading one article on this issue.
Curated OER
Geological Time Scale
In this geological time instructional activity, student use a geologic time scale to understand the difference between eons, eras, and periods. Then students complete 2 short answer questions.
Curated OER
Toilet Paper Geologic Time Scale
Students examine and demonstrate the extent of geologic time compared to recent time. They develop a demonstration of geologic time using an unrolled roll of toilet paper, with each sheet of toilet paper representing 20 million years.
Curated OER
Corridor of Time Fieldtrip Worksheet and Explorers Heritage Center History Hunt
For this Corridor of Time and Explorers Heritage Center worksheet, students respond to 29 short answer and fill in the blank questions regarding information presented in the North Dakota Heritage Center.
Curated OER
Text Structure 2
For this reading worksheet, students read different passages of text and fill out graphic organizers for each one. Students read 6 texts total.
Curated OER
The Moon Book
In this moon learning exercise, students read the book The Moon Book and list facts about the moon and draw eclipses. Students list 10 facts and draw 3 kinds of eclipses.
Curated OER
History of the Earth
Students work together in groups to research the characteristics of the Mesozoic Era. Using various sources, they must include information about climate, landforms, plants and animals found during this time period. They create a...
Curated OER
Be a "Fossil Detective" an Effective Tool in Earth Science Education
Learners examine the geological time scale: the Earth is ancient; time can be divided into periods based on its fossil content.
Curated OER
Recombinant DNA to Protect Crops
Students read an article about manipulation of plant DNA. After reading the short article, they work in small groups to respond to the provided discussion questions and explain their answer to the class.