Download fossils, rocks and soils

FOSSILS, ROCKS AND SOILS
YEAR 4 – YEAR 8 (2HOURS)
INTRODUCTION
Investigate rocks, extract fossils and explore how soil is
formed.
EDUCATION PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
Introduction
Students look at examples of fossils or identify some
common rocks and find out how they were formed.
Students are introduced to the concept of soil as a living
system.
Experience
The programme uses Te Manawa’s Fossil Dig where
students can dig for replica bones and real 2 million year
old fossils shells from the banks of the Whanganui
River.
Students will take part in activities to demonstrate the
structure and components of soil, and investigate how
soil is affected by the presence of pollutants.
Reflection
There will be opportunity to discuss fossil formation and
the rock cycle, and the importance of soil and why it
needs protecting.
Concepts
Fossil formation, rock cycle, rock types, soil formation,
soil pollution
Big ideas
Fossils are usually found in rocks.
New discoveries of fossils are often made where there is
fresh (new) exposure of sedimentary rock, either by
natural processes or human activity.
New rocks and landforms are derived from old rocks
and landforms as the materials they consist of are
changed by on-going geological processes.
Soils consist of the remains of living matter combined
with eroded rock material.
Context
The purpose built river in Te Awa –the River exhibition
to model floods and land use.
Nature of Science – Investigating in science,
Communicating in science, Participating and
Contributing
Strand - Planet Earth and beyond
Using language, symbols and texts
Students will learn and become familiar with the
specialist language associated with geology. [view /
decipher / describe]
Managing self
Students meet challenges associated with the discipline
and requirements of an activity programme where they
are likely to get dirty. [question / focus on tasks]
Relating to others
Students will be challenged to interact effectively with
others in a manner appropriate with the nature of the
programme. [share / consider others / acknowledge]
Participating and contributing
Students will be encouraged to work together as
scientists. [take turns / include / work with]
Curriculum links
Science / Social Sciences
Possible learning outcomes
•
Build their scientific language and develop
their understandings of fossils, rocks and soils
•
Through activities, discussing and questioning,
extend their experiences and explanation of
fossils and the rock cycle
•
Can discuss how soil is formed and its
importance
Preparation
Prior knowledge of students’ level of understanding of
context and concepts is appreciated. This can be
provided by filling out our pre-visit questionnaire or
contacting [email protected].
Special consideration
Students are likely to get dirt; please ensure that they
wear appropriate clothing.
Resources
Managing the Land
Sharon Dalgleish
2002
Rock and Fossil Hunter
Ben Morgan
DK, London 2005
The Rock Cycle
Cheryl Jakab
Macmillan Education Australia 2007
KEY COMPETENCIES
You are the Earth
David Suzuki and Cathy Vanderlinden 1999
Thinking
Students will make sense of and question information,
experiences and ideas in regards to geology.
[investigate / explain / summarise]
This site is a great link to many fossil and dinosaur sites.
Plenty of interactivity, good for kids.
www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/dinosaurs/
FOSSILS, ROCKS AND SOILS TEACHER RESOURCE