This concise introduction to the life of the past as revealed through fossils, is an invaluable and enjoyable guide which includes:
• Descriptions of the typical plants and animals of major geological eras
• Maps showing where fossils can be found
• The history of the development of life on earth
• Full-color illustrations
Life of the past as revealed through fossils. 481 illustrations.
Fossils are historic blueprints -- remnants of plant and animal life that preceded us. In Fossils, students will examine molds, casts and imprints of various living things, and discover how scientists place the age of these ancient remains and the methods they use to preserve them for future generations. Find out how paleontologists discover fossils and what these discoveries tell us about the past. Take a trip to the Petrified Forest, and examine tree trunks that were turned to stone millions of years ago. A fun, hands-on investigation demonstrates for students how they can create four different simulated environments in order to test each for its ability to preserve remains. Part of the Earth Science in Action DVD Series. A Teacher's Guide is included and available online. 23 minutes. Grades 5 to 8.
Fossil fuels were formed millions of years ago as part of a natural process in which the remains of dead plants and animals were buried and placed under extreme pressure and heat. Coal, oil and natural gas are the most important fossil fuels. But what are they used for, how do we find them and what can we do to preserve our limited supplies? Students will find the answers to these questions and more in Fossil Fuels as they explore these nonrenewable resources of Earth. A fun, hands-on investigation demonstrates a creative alternative to using fossil fuels in the creation of plastic and a visit to an oil platform showcases how this valuable fossil fuel is pumped up from the bottom of the ocean. Part of the Earth Science in Action DVD Series. A Teacher's Guide is included and available online. 23 minutes. Grades 5 to 8.
36" x 24" full color laminated poster.
Fossils were a mystery for thousands of years; then a few pioneering scientists realized that they were the remains or traces of once-living organisms.
Well-known bone-type fossils are actually rocks, the result of a process called mineralization in which minerals replace decaying tissue. This process is shown and explained. All of the other fossil types are also explored.
The rarity of fossils is dramatically presented, and strange things sometimes mistaken for fossils are identified. There’s an introduction to fossil expeditions and a summary of how fossils contribute to our understanding of the earth and life on it.
There is an especially helpful section on the relationships between fossils and geology. It covers the principle of original horizontality, the law of superimposition, the principle of faunal succession, the geological time scale, index fossils, relative dating, and absolute dating.
All of this is conveyed through detailed illustrations showing the processes, excellent photographs of representative specimens, and interesting and informative captions. This poster is a great aid to museum interpretive programs and is extremely beneficial in the study of both life and earth sciences.