Plate Tectonics: Evidence
Main Topics | Standards | Science Probe | Lessons | Resources
- Main Topics & Concepts
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How fossils can be used to interpret past environments.
- Standards
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SFUSD Performance Standard 17.7 - Interpreting and classifying a
variety of fossils in order to reconstruct an ancient ecosystem.
SFUSD Performance Standard 17.10 - Describing how fossil deposits and rock formations help date when changes have occurred on Earth. - Science Probe Text
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Science Probe II Chapter 12
Activity Access Description Science Probe II: Activity 12E
A Matching Puzzle
This problem-solving activity requires students to apply geologic principles to determine the ages of different fossils. - Activities & Lessons
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Activity Access Description Climate Analysis Using Fossil Foraminifera Museum of Paleontology
Students learn that some marine animals (forams) build their shells in different directions depending on the water temperature they live in. Students look at real foram data and apply this knowledge to infer water temperatures of the past. - Resources
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Resources Access Description Foram Facts Museum of Paleontology
Background information on foraminifera and other microfossils. Mostly targeted at teachers, but some might be of interest to students. Microfossils Museum of Paleontology
Another description about microfossils. Preparation Techniques for Using Forams in the Classroom Museum of Paleontology
Directions for how to find and prepare forams for students to view and use in the classroom. Using Microfossils in Petroleum Exploration Museum of Paleontology
Information about how microfossils are used in petroleum geology. Good information for making ties to using fossils for practical applications.