This article describes a three-dimensional 5E (Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, Evaluation) lesson that investigates 3-LS4-1: Analyze and interpret data from fossils to provide evidence of the organisms and the environments in which they lived. A phenomena-based approach was used to engage third graders in the story of Maya, who…

Children often associate the study of bones with dinosaurs or crime scenes. This unit introduces students to "zooarchaeology," the study of animal remains from archaeological sites. Students in grades 3-5 engage in hands-on activities examining bones, shells, and other "hard parts" of animals. They use their observations as a starting point for…

August 2002 found the author scouring the rocky shore of Joggins, Nova Scotia, hunting for fossils dropped off by the last high tide. The experience highlighted the challenges of paleontology. She collected a bunch of rocks she thought had definite prints of plants or animals, but when she took them to the town's fossil museum, it turned out she…