Fossil Detectives

This week at After School, Girlstart students had the opportunity to learn about the exciting process of paleontological excavation! Ancient information contained in fossils allows scientists to understand life on Earth millions of years ago.  After they brushed up on their knowledge of the four types of fossils, students were ready to dig in!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each group used the appropriate tools to carefully separate clay “layers” of the Earth containing different fossil types. Girls worked together to identify the fossil type, as well as possible environments and conditions on the Earth at the time of the fossil’s creation. This required teamwork and critical thinking. One group even decided to conduct some quick research in a fossil book. They compiled a list of possible dinosaurs whose footprints matched the trace fossil they unearthed!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Working with fossils created millions of years ago can be tricky, but Girlstart girls are learning inferential and research skills that will help them on the path to paleontology!