Paleontologists: Can You Dig It?
Source Institutions
-
Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Add to listGo to activity
In this activity, learners explore the work of paleontologists. Learners discuss what paleontologists do and then role-play as paleontologists in a "Paleontologist Dig." A sand table, plastic storage box or wading pool is filled with sand, rocks and plastic models of skeletons and fleshed-out dinosaurs. Learners work in small groups to dig, draw, research and then rebury their finds. This activity is featured on page 49 of the "Dinosphere" unit of study for K-2 learners.
- 10 to 30 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- $10 - $20 per group of students
- Ages 4 - 6
- Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Simulation
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- Dinosaur Hunters and Important Dates in Dinosaur Discovery resource material from this unit (pp. 98-100)
- Dino Diaries (pp. 113-116)
- Computer access
- Construction paper
- Markers
- Handheld magnifying lens
- Brushes
- Craft sticks
- Screens or aquarium nets
- Goggles
- Pith helmets
- Vests
- Sketch pad and pencil
- Dinosaur identification books
- Replica fossil cast from dinosaur kit
- Sand table, plastic storage box, or wading pool
- Play sand
- Plastic models -- both skeletons and fleshed-out figures
- Rocks
Subjects
- Earth and Space Science
- Earth's History
- Fossils
- Dinosaurs
- Earth's History
- Life Sciences
- Diversity of Life
- Animals
- Evolution
- History of Life
- Diversity of Life
- The Nature of Science
- The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
- Science as a Career
- The Scientific Process
Informal Categories
- Animals
- Toys
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- 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:
- Crosslin, Rick; Fortney, Mary; Dinosphere Exhibit Development Team, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Rights:
- All Rights Reserved, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, ©2004
