5.4.12.B.3.c
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Sample Lesson Plan for Science
Ninth through Twelfth Grade
Goal: The student will develop earth systems science in the area of history of earth.
CPI: Account for the evolution of species by citing specific absolute-dating evidence of fossil samples. 5.4.12.B.3
ACSSSD Objective: Identify places where fossils are found. 5.4.12.B.3.c
Activity: Students will research the major paleontological finds within the past century. The paleontologists who made the
discoveries will be discussed as well as the things they discovered. Students will research the specific dating methodologies used in
paleontology. The information will be put into a research paper that follows MLA style and information will also be put into a
Powerpoint presentation.
Modifications
Materials
Assessment
Cross Content Areas
1. Independently, students will watch the
1. Computer
1. Rubric
Language Arts
following videos on BrainPOP about fossils,
Smartboard
Quiz
Technology
carbon dating, and dinosaurs:
BrainPOP videos
Paper
 http://www.brainpop.com/science/
Pencils
diversityoflife/fossils/preview.weml
 http://www.brainpop.com/technology/
scienceandindustry/carbondating/preview.w
eml
 http://www.brainpop.com/science/
diversityoflife/dinosaurs/preview.weml
Students will give four examples of places
where fossils may be found.
2. Students will watch the BrainPOP video on
fossils: http://www.brainpop.com/science/
diversityoflife/fossils/preview.weml. In
cooperative learning groups, students will use
2. Computer
Smartboard
BrainPOP videos
Modified quiz
2. Rubric
Modified quiz
5.4.12.B.3.c
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the provided discussion questions to talk about
fossils and where fossils are found. Students
will take a modified quiz with a word bank.
Pencils
3. Students will learn how scientists uncover
information about fossils. ‘Fossils’ that are
made from the activity can be hidden outside
and discovered like they would be by
paleontologists. Activity should be done with
assistance (full physical prompt, partial physical
prompt, verbal prompt, positional prompt,
gestural prompt, visual prompt, natural prompt,
modeling).
· Stir together the coffee grounds, cold coffee,
flour, and salt until well mixed.
3. 1 cup of used coffee
grounds
· Knead the dough together and then flatten it
out onto the waxed paper.
· Use the can to cut out circles of the dough or
use the dull knife to cut slabs large enough to fit
your "fossil" objects.
· Press your objects firmly into the dough.
When you take the object out, you have your
"fossil". If you want to hang the fossil, poke
holes into the edge to hold the string.
· Let the fossil dry overnight and then hang it if
you wish.
1/2 cup of cold coffee
1 cup of flour
1/2 cup of salt
Some small objects to
make impressions in the
dough
Wax paper
Mixing bowl
Empty can or a butter
knife
Toothpicks, optional
String to hang your fossil,
optional
3. Rubric