Elephants in Your Backyard: Making Teeth Talk

AUDIENCE
Grades 3–8

STANDARDS SUPPORTED
NCCRS-Science: SC.3.7.2.B; SC.8.10.5.A
NGSS: 3-LS4-1; MS-LS4-1

PROGRAM DURATION
45 minute pre-program activity (kit included)
45 minute Virtual Learning Program

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Uncover a mystery – paleontology style! Working together we’ll dig deep into the tale told by fossil teeth and discover clues to Nebraska's ancient climate and habitats that were known to our very own elephants - Gomphotheres, Stegomastodons, Mastodons, and Mammoths. Using the tools of a paleontologist, students will uncover and identify fossils, make predictions, and put all the information together to find answers!

Prior to the Virtual Learning Program, each classroom will experience a fossil dig with a tabletop dig site. Students will identify several fossils found in their dig, consider climate & habitat indicators and make predictions about a mystery fossil they find. We will uncover the mystery together during our Virtual Learning Program! 

PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Prior to the program, each classroom will experience a fossil dig with a tabletop dig site. You will be sent a kit that has the elements needed for this activity.  Students will identify several small, medium, and large fossils found in their dig, consider climate & habitat indicators, and make predictions about a mystery fossil they discover. They will use their data to complete a Dig Site Report Sheet that is used during the virtual learning program.

The highly interactive virtual learning program is held within our Elephant Hall gallery. Each group will report in their findings, including their predictions about their mystery fossil. We then work together to discover what each mystery fossil is (4 different ancient elephant teeth) and then as “paleontologists” we will use our fossils to enhance our understanding about ancient climate and habitats. During the program we use the student’s data on their Dig Site Reports, look at the fossils on display at the museum, actively demonstrate how teeth are used, and use critical thinking skills to put all these elements together for a larger understanding of ancient life.

COVID-19 Update: This program has been modified to meet classroom social distancing requirements and/or to accommodate remote learning.

KIT
Kits included with a Virtual Learning Program are mailed to you prior to the scheduled virtual. The cost for return shipping is included in the program fee.  A pre-paid shipping label will be included in the kit.

Content includes materials for tabletop dig and dig instructions (dig boxes, hand lens, strainers, variety of fossils, identification guide, Dig Site Report sheet, and animal guide). You will need to provide sand for the dig.

TEACHER FEEDBACK
“The kids loved doing the actual "dig". It really made them slow down and have patience. It also made it more real for them.” 

“Very important. It helped students organize and formulate concrete thoughts about fossils, mammals, weather, and habitats.” 

“The pace was nice and relaxed and gave all of the students time to think and respond. The thought process for developing a scientific theory about the fossils was well done.”