1. Part 1: Penny Histograms Introduction to describing and assessing variability: Part 2: Sorting, Identifying, & Interpreting Microvertebrate Fossils from the Late Cretaceous

2. Part 1: Penny Histograms/ Introduction to describing and assessing variability: Major Concepts: What is a significant difference? Meaning of Mean, Median, & Mode How to make & interpret histograms Materials needed: Graph paper & Colored pencils Scales 2 sets of 20 pennies 1983 or younger: composition = 97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper 1 set of pennies older than 1982: composition = (95% copper, 5% zinc)

3. Sample ASample BSample C 2.662.503.22 2.642.583.17 2.69 3.23 2.512.653.14 2.622.663.23 2.372.403.00 2.462.192.81 2.292.472.90 2.322.422.97 2.482.403.07 2.462.383.06 2.372.382.91 2.462.413.05 2.472.333.06 2.372.322.98 2.492.453.06 2.442.402.99 2.502.333.02 2.422.492.95 Example of Weights for one set of Pennies (gm)

4. # of Samples Weight of Pennies (gm) Distribution of the Weight of Penny Sets A, B, & C

5. Part 2: Sorting, Identifying, & Interpreting Microvertebrate Fossils from the Late Cretaceous Hell Creek Fm. of NE Montana In association with the D.I.G. Field School Univ. Washington’s Burke Museum Dr. Greg Wilson & Lauren Berg DeBey

6. Sorting, Identifying, & Interpreting Microvertebrate Fossils from the Late Cretaceous Hell Creek Fm. of NE Montana Scientific Goals: Examine root causes of K-Pg extinction by quantifying how the diversity of small vertebrates changed in the time period just before the asteroid impact (as marked by the iridium anomaly). Educational Goals: Engage student interest while teaching them about how scientific research is conducted & informing them about basic geologic and biologic principles. Length of exercise: Varies from 1 to 10 lab periods (with possible addition of extra time for class project).

7. Martials Needed: Unsorted Sediment (supplied by Burke Museum) Hand lenses (but binocular scopes are also nice) Container with sides to hold sediment (paper plates, specimen boxes, foram trays) Fossil ID Guide (PDF available on DIG Field School website)

8. Sorting, Identifying, & Interpreting Microvertebrate Fossils from the Late Cretaceous Hell Creek Fm. of NE Montana For more info on lesson plans constructed for K-12 students see: http://digfieldschool.org. http://digfieldschool.org For more info on expanded projects for 100- & 200-level classes, please see me. For suggestions on ways to expand project for 100- & 200-level classes, pretty please see me.