01
Unit Introduction
This section will introduce the standards alignment, curriculum, and gameplay.
02
Pre-Assessment
Students will play a vocabulary game and create a group concept map to assess prior knowledge about fossils.
Part 1: Vocabulary Game: Take a Shot
Part 2: Group Concept Map
03
What Are Fossils?
Students will investigate fossils by examining images and determining whether or not each image represents a fossil. Students will explore the primary goals and challenges of Fossil Forensics.
Introduction
Part 1: Identifying Fossils and Non-Fossils
Part 2: Video Overview of Fossil Forensics
GAME PLAY!
Pause and Think
Exit Slip
04
Fossil Formation
Students will discuss the importance of studying fossils and how it relates to Fossil Forensics. Students will investigate fossil formation by completing a Web Quest and creating a brochure to advertise the discovery of a new fossil.
Warm Up: Game Discussion
GAME PLAY!
Pause and Think
Web Quest: Fossil Formation
Exit Slip
05
Exploring Evolutionary Adaptations
Students will investigate adaptations by completing a hands-on activity.
GAME PLAY!
Pause and Think
Game Discusson
Hands-On Activity: Which Bird Beak Is Best?
Exit Slip
06
Taxonomy: Cladograms
Students will investigate taxonomy and evolutionary relationships among organisms by creating a cladogram.
Warm Up: Game Discussion
GAME PLAY!
Pause and Think
Hands-On Activity: Create a Cladogram
Exit Slip
07
A Story about Past Life Forms
Students will show what they know about fossils and evolution by creating an illustrated short story about two closely related organisms.
08
Post-Game Assessment
Students will assess their learning by designing their own game about fossils.
GAME PLAY!
Post-Game Assessment: Design a Fossil Game
Wrap-Up Activity: Group Concept Map Review and Gallery Walk
09