Layered Fossil Parfait: Deeper is Older

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In this activity, learners explore dinosaur fossils by making an edible treat. First, learners read "Dinosaur Bones" by Aliki to examine how fossils are formed. Then, the educator sifts through the class garbage to demonstrate that the deeper something is buried the older it may be. Next, learners make a layered dinosaur fossil model using candy and other treats. This activity is featured on page 30 of the "Dinosphere" unit of study for K-2 learners.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 6 - 8
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Model
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Clear cups
  • Spoons
  • Whipped cream
  • Gummy dinosaurs or other animals
  • Grape jelly
  • Vanilla wafer cookies
  • Fruit slices
  • M&Ms and/or raisins
  • Shredded coconut
  • Cookie decorating sprinkles
  • Food coloring
  • elected books: Bones, Bones, Dinosaur Bones by Byron Barton; Dinosaur Bones by Aliki; Digging Up Dinosaurs video or book by Aliki
  • Dino Diaries (pp. 113-116 of PDF)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Structure
      • Rocks and Minerals
    • Earth's History
      • Geologic Time
      • Fossils
      • Dinosaurs
  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Animals
    • Evolution
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Informal Categories

  • Animals
  • Food and Cooking
  • Literature
  • Nature and Environment

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • taste
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, 2004