Fossil Fun

We have been using a variety of resources to help us imagine how life has adapted and changed over millions of years. Books, videos, websites, science experiments, and a timeline of life have all been useful. Through the use of the timeline of life, the children have learned that prehistoric life can be divided into large chunks of time called eras - the Precambrian Era, the Paleozoic Era, the Mesozoic Era, and the Cenozoic Era. At home the children created their own personal timeline to  help them get a linear sense of their own history. And they are so much fun to read! The children know that fossils are the keys to understanding what life on earth was like so many millions of years ago. They have learned that there are five kinds of fossils: petrified, imprint, mold, cast, and preserved. In order to help them understand how something becomes petrified, we did a little experiment called Turn Bone Into Stone, using sponges, water, and epsom salt. Ask your child to tell you about it. 

We also made "fossil" molds, using shells and plaster of Paris. We then used the molds to create cast "fossils."

Our field trip to the Lucoral Museum in Waikiki was a nice opportunity to view and touch a large collection of rocks, minerals, and fossils from all around the world. The children were careful observers and asked thoughtful questions. As a treat, each child was able to make a bracelet to bring home as a gift. What fun!

Posted on October 6, 2008 12:48 PM | Permalink