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...
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Weighing the Evidence for a Mass Extinction Part 2: On Land
What can fossils tell us about periods of extinction? Young scholars interpret fossil layers to make conclusions about changes in life during different geological time periods. They analyze the fossils for abundance and diversity as well...
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
EarthViewer
Almost complete annihilation of the plants and animals on the Earth has occurred at least five times in the past. Young scientists explore each of these events. They learn about the evidence and conclusions for each event and connect...
Curated OER
History of Life
In this history of life worksheet, learners will explore how mass extinctions have occurred on Earth, the different periods of the geological time scale, and scientists' use of fossil records. Students will complete 3 fill in the blank...
Curated OER
Extinction Is Forever
Young scholars observe models of two kinds of forests with low and high biodiversity. They observe and record the effects of habitat destruction or extinction rates. They also conduct research about mass extinction like that of the...
Curated OER
Extinction Theories: Dinosaurs
Students examine how scientist use evidence to create theories. In this problem solving lesson, students use evidence cards to determine their own theory about the extinction of dinosaurs. They will debate their theories based on the...
Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust
The Lost World
Fans of Sherlock Holmes may be surprised to learn that in addition to stories of the famous deductionist, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is also the creator of Professor Challenger. An irascible, unpredictable scientist, Challenger was featured...
Curated OER
Endangered Species and Extinction
Eighth graders determine the difference between extinction and endangered species. Using the internet, they research one endangered species, identify its common and specific name, where it lives and what it eats. To end the lesson,...
Curated OER
Estimating the Live Mass of Dinosaurs
Learners estimate the live mass of dinosaurs. Using dinosaur and modern animal models, students use simple displacement methods to calculate the volume of the models. They calculate the masses of each model. Learners compare the...
Curated OER
Scientific Inquiry
Sixth graders research the theories on the extinction of the dinosaurs. For this dinosaur extinction lesson, 6th graders view a video clip about scientific inquiry. They work in groups to research the two theories on dinosaur extinction.
American Museum of Natural History
Living Large
Get to know all about sauropods from a paleontologist, Jonah. Following an introductory video, scholars choose from five fossils to learn more about. Each fossil begins with a video, provides information from several different...
Curated OER
Scientific Inquiry 3
In this lesson, 6th graders research and examine current theories behind the mass extinction of dinosaurs. After a discusion about the extinction of the dinosaurs, students discuss the two major extinction theories talked about in the...
Curated OER
The Lost World (4 parts)
Tenth graders view this science fiction adventure, though not scientifically accurate, creates opportunities to explore the extinction of dinosaurs and to explore evolution.
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
State of the Planet's Wildlife
Students view and discuss a video about the challenges facing wildlife on the planet Earth. They define key terms, watch the video, and answer discussion questions about the film.
Curated OER
Crocodiles
Students study crocodiles and how they have survived and adapted over time. In this crocodiles lesson students research information on crocodiles.
Curated OER
Life Has A History
In this biology worksheet, students identify and match various classes of species found today. Then they explain why biodiversity exists today on earth and define evolution. Students also describe who a paleontologist is and what they do.
Curated OER
Fossil Hunters!
Students explore the various ways in which geologists create fossil records. Working in pairs, students create a model of a fossil record through a hands on activity. They relate their experience to recent discoveries in geology and...