1. Fossils in Time By Karen Parlett Pleasants County Middle School Part A: Density Obtain the 4 different colored, different density solutions. It is up to you to determine the layering order of the solutions. Place one or two fingers’ width of each solution, drop by drop, into the test tube (straw) without mixing them, so that the most dense solution will go to the bottom. 1.Choose a colored solution and place it into the test tube (straw). Make sure to record the order in which you place the solutions. 2.Choose another colored solution and slowly place it in the test tube (straw) 3.If mixing occurs, start a new trial. Make sure to begin with a different color. Reminder: Record all data. 4.Continue in this manner until you have determined the order of density. Questions: In which order did you find the solutions layered (from bottom to top)? Why do you think this occurred? If these materials were added to the ocean, which order would they arrange themselves? Part A: Density Obtain the 4 different colored, different density solutions. It is up to you to determine the layering order of the solutions. Place one or two fingers’ width of each solution, drop by drop, into the test tube (straw) without mixing them, so that the most dense solution will go to the bottom. 1.Choose a colored solution and place it into the test tube (straw). Make sure to record the order in which you place the solutions. 2.Choose another colored solution and slowly place it in the test tube (straw) 3.If mixing occurs, start a new trial. Make sure to begin with a different color. Reminder: Record all data. 4.Continue in this manner until you have determined the order of density. Questions: In which order did you find the solutions layered (from bottom to top)? Why do you think this occurred? If these materials were added to the ocean, which order would they arrange themselves? One 50-minute class period None listed Use a variety of skills to explore and develop an understanding of fossil formation, types, age, environments, and identification. 8-10 test tubes (straws can be substituted with clay or potato slices) 4 droppers 4 different density solutions of different colors (alcohol, water, salt, water, and glycerine) 4 different saline solutions of different colors (freshwater, 25% salt solution, 50% salt solution, and saturated salt solution) Ice Candle or bunsen burner Beaker Food coloring 8-10 test tubes (straws can be substituted with clay or potato slices) 4 droppers 4 different density solutions of different colors (alcohol, water, salt, water, and glycerine) 4 different saline solutions of different colors (freshwater, 25% salt solution, 50% salt solution, and saturated salt solution) Ice Candle or bunsen burner Beaker Food coloring From this investigation, discuss how the density affects ocean water Students have recorded data Recorded data supports statements and hypothesis Students relate density, salinity, and temperature to each other Students develop an understanding of what drives some ocean currents From this investigation, discuss how the density affects ocean water Students have recorded data Recorded data supports statements and hypothesis Students relate density, salinity, and temperature to each other Students develop an understanding of what drives some ocean currents None listed This unit consists of a set of activities that introduce students to fossils. It can easily be adapted to other grades with a few changes. The focus can also be changed. Students can be introduced to fossil formation, fossil types, index fossils, or mapping. None listed Part B: Salinity and Density Salinity affects ocean currents. You will now need to obtain the 4 different colored, different saline solutions. Repeat the procedures in Part A with the new solutions. This time you will be determining the order of salinity. Questions: In which order did you find the solutions layered (from bottom to top)? Why do you think this occurred? If these materials were added to the ocean, which order would they arrange themselves? Part B: Salinity and Density Salinity affects ocean currents. You will now need to obtain the 4 different colored, different saline solutions. Repeat the procedures in Part A with the new solutions. This time you will be determining the order of salinity. Questions: In which order did you find the solutions layered (from bottom to top)? Why do you think this occurred? If these materials were added to the ocean, which order would they arrange themselves? Part C: Temperature and Density Temperature affects ocean currents. 1.Have your test tube from Part B. Observe any internal movement. Record your observations. 2.Obtain a beaker. Fill it half full of warm water. 3.Gently add a drop of yellow or red food coloring at the center. Observe the movement. Record your observation. 4.Add an ice cube to the beaker of colored water. 5.Add one or two drops of dark food coloring (blue or green) directly on the ice cube. Observe the movement. Record your observations. Questions: In which order did you find the solutions layered (from bottom to top)? Why do you think this occurred? If these materials were added to the ocean, which order would they arrange themselves? Part C: Temperature and Density Temperature affects ocean currents. 1.Have your test tube from Part B. Observe any internal movement. Record your observations. 2.Obtain a beaker. Fill it half full of warm water. 3.Gently add a drop of yellow or red food coloring at the center. Observe the movement. Record your observation. 4.Add an ice cube to the beaker of colored water. 5.Add one or two drops of dark food coloring (blue or green) directly on the ice cube. Observe the movement. Record your observations. Questions: In which order did you find the solutions layered (from bottom to top)? Why do you think this occurred? If these materials were added to the ocean, which order would they arrange themselves? Objective Materials and Equipment Materials and Equipment Time Procedures Assessment Further Challenges Further Challenges Overview Teaching Suggestions Safety Note Day 1: Station A > Message in a Bottle Day 2: Station B > Fossil Casting Day 3: Station C > Mystery Fossils