• Use a variety of resources to gather information.

• Design a Webpage to present their findings.

• Become familiar with image editing and formatting.

• Learn the age, habitat and the importance of different fossils in dating the earth’s crust.

• Students will recognize that fossils represent a limited sample of all life forms that may have been present in the geological past. They will also learn that specific fossils represent specific time periods in the history of the earth and that they hold valuable clues to past life on earth. In participating in this activity students will also enhance their research skills, image formatting skills and Webpage design skills.

• Prepare an activity sheet which would include, the outline, guided research questions (advance organizers), timelines for the procedure and a list of relevant Websites were students can begin their research.

• Prepare handout that could help students with the image program and the Web page editing program. You could also include a list of Websites that host tutorials for the programs.

• Develop a list of fossils that the students can choose their project from.

1. Present and discuss the activity sheet with the students.
2. Allow students to choose a topic.
3. Give a brief orientation to the software and deliver the handout for the programs. Allow time for students to investigate and practice using the new software.
4. Allow time for research.
5. Once the research has been completed you can begin image formatting and the development of the text.
6. Begin construction of the Web Page only after the students have completed their images and text. I would suggest that you allow each student to develop their own Web Page. The page can then be linked to the class or school Website.
7. Allow adequate time for each section to be completed. Allocate time according to the student experience using the software. Depending on this experience you may want to allow 3 to 4 weeks for completion.

Software

• Image Program

• Web Page Editing Program

Websites

• http://web.ukonline.co.uk/conker/fossils/
  

• http://www.talkorigins.org/fags/homs/
  

• http://www.rom.on.ca/quiz/fossil/fosform.html
  

• http://www.toyen.uio.no/palmus/galleri/index_e.html
  

• http://www.intersurf.com/~chalcedony/lafossil1.shtml
  

• http://www.fossilfanatics.com
  

• http://www.plantapalm.com
  

• Evaluation should incorporate all aspects of the project. A great idea is to incorporate the students into this activity. They should have a decision in the allocation of marks. They can also help with the development of a rubric.

• Peer Evaluation could also work as a motivation tool. Get students to present their Web Pages to the class for grading.

• The peer evaluation and presentation will allow the students to gain valuable knowledge about their own fossil as well as their classmates fossils.

• This activity could also be completed in groups of 2 or more students. But in order to maintain production and the production of high quality work you should assign a duty to each member.

• This activity is great because you can allow time at the end of each class or time when the students need a break from the regular routine. Promotes motivation.