Intro

1. Objective 12/14/11 Explain how scientists use fossils as clues to discover Earth’s history. Intro Unscramble the pictures to reveal what this is; how do you know?

2. Paleontology

3. Now try this… Yes, this is a real creature, it’s called a “Gerothorax”.

4. Paleontology • To start this investigation, turn to next blank page and do this  • Number each box as 1, 2, 3, and 4. 1 2 3 4

5. Paleontology • Each group will get a bag… like this one! • In the bag are the “remains” of an extinct animal.

6. Paleontology • When you are told to do so, one person from your group will pick out THREE fossils from the bag! • You will then try to come up with what kind of creature could have left this fossil. Draw it in Box 1

7. Paleontology • Some fossils will be more difficult than others… you must persevere! • When you are told, you will then pick out another THREE fossils, and draw a revised picture in box 2.

8. Paleontology • Next, your group will be given the opportunity to view other groups drawings and fossils. • You should revise your drawing in box 3.

9. Paleontology • Finally, you will expose all of the fossils in the bag, and try to reconstruct the creature and draw it in box 4.

10. Paleontology • What did your group come up with? Anyone feel like sharing? • Does yours look like this?

12. Paleontology

13. Paleontology • Oh wait, we’re not done yet! Bet you were wondering what this section is for, huh? • Well… 1 2 3 4

14. Paleontology • Now that you’ve unearthed your creature and put it back together, it’s time to name it and describe it’s history! Write a short paragraph (10 sentences minimum) describing your creature. • Name • Why it’s named that • What happened to it(how it died) • What it ate • Where it lived • What modern-day species it’s related to

15. Objective 12/14/11 Explain how scientists use fossils as clues to discover Earth’s history. Outro How easy do you think it would be to have a career as a paleontologist?