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

PALEONTOLOGY

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Paleontology

 Oh wait, we’re not done yet! Bet you were wondering what this section is for, huh?  Well… 12 34

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

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