Colorado State University

Learn how paleontologists uncover past events that led to the fossilization of a community of sea creatures millions of years ago. In the Really Ancient Fossils STEM Kit, students will excavate a model rock formation, make a map, record their observations in a science notebook, and compare their observations to reference materials.

Big Concepts include: 1) law of superposition; 2) law of cross-cutting; 3) geologic time; 4) index fossils; 5) relative age dating; and 6) paleoenvironmental reconstruction.

Scientific Inquiry Skills include: 1) fossil excavation; 2) map making; 3) scientific illustration; and 4) use of science notebooks.

Really Ancient Fossils STEM Kit Tutorials

• Really Ancient Fossils STEM Kit Use Instructions (complete teacher guide)
• Really Ancient Fossils STEM Kit Clean-Up & Repacking Instructions
• Really Ancient Fossils STEM Kit Material List

Really Ancient Fossils STEM Kit Resources

• Blank Excavation Map Template
• Blank Fossil Species Time Table Template
• Science Notebook Template (for use in lieu of Science Notebooks)
• Science Notebook Template (Spanish version)
• Science Notebook Evaluation Rubric
• Really Ancient Fossils STEM Kit Classroom Discussion Questions
• Really Ancient Fossils STEM Kit Instruction Booklet
  (available upon request – email name and school to Dr. Andrew Warnock)

Other Useful Resources

• Crinoid Video Clip
• Evolution and the Fossil Record (American Geologic Institute & The Paleontological Society)
• Denver Museum of Nature & Science Prehistoric Journey Exhibit
• Cosmic Evolution (Harvard University)
• ChronoZoom Project
• Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science (published by the National Academies of Sciences)

Borrowing Really Ancient Fossils STEM Kits

There is no charge to educators who wish to borrow any of our STEM kits. We appreciate applications be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance of the desired use date. The loan application forms require you to confirm your email address before it will be sent to the EOC – so once you click submit, check your email (including the junk folder)! You should also get a copy of the form for your records via email, if you don’t, please contact Courtney Gooding Butler (courtney.butler@colostate.edu).

• Local Pick-Up Loan Application Form – for educators in the immediate area of Fort Collins (i.e.: Greeley, Loveland, Ault, Windsor, Johnstown, etc.)
• Delivery Loan Application Form – for educators in Colorado outside of the immediate Fort Collins area
• Educator Feedback Survey – must be completed after returning kits to the NSEOC and before another kit can be requested