CCS 4.E.2.1 Understand the use of fossils and changes in the surface of the earth as evidence of the history of Earth and its changing life forms
First we reviewed what is a fossil? A fossil is the prehistoric remains of a plant or animal. Fossils are usually preserved when they are buried under many layers of sand and mud. Under great pressure the sand and mud become sedimentary rock. Minerals seep into the fossil replacing the organic matter and creating a replica in stone. Later, I showed them many examples of fossils from my fossil collection. Then my fifth (and some fourth) graders wedged their clay to remove air pockets and rolled it out to pancake thickness. They placed a bowl on the clay, cut around it, then pressed in leaves, shells or other items to create "fossils". Next week we will glaze them once they come out of the kiln. Look for these to come home in January. NOTE: If your child by chance has a fossil they would like to share, please invite them to bring it to art in December to show it to their class during art!