Fossil Record Research Project and CER for Middle School Life Science - MS-LS4-1
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- Easel Activity
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Are you looking for independent research projects for life science or biology? Maybe you want to incorporate more reading and writing in your science class? Introduce your students to real world discoveries and amazing phenomena with these low-prep research projects. Students will gather informationPrice $14.07Original Price $16.75Save $2.68
Description
Are you looking for an engaging way to teach your middle school students about the fossil record? Let them solve a mystery! In this fossil record research project, your students will learn about fossilized whale remains discovered in a Chilean desert. Then they will gather information from text and video sources and craft a CER response explaining why marine fossils are sometimes found in the desert.
The lesson meets science, reading, and writing standards. Students begin with gathering evidence from a video and an article. The sources teach students about how fossils are formed, other places marine fossils have been found in desert habitats, and how fossils can be used as evidence about past environments. Next, students synthesize the information to create a claim, identify the reasons that support their claim, and the evidence from the video and text that supports those reasons. This information is compiled in an easy-to-use graphic organizer. Finally, students produce an essay to explain their ideas about whale fossils being discovered in a desert. This resource will help your students meet the NGSS standard MS-LS4-1.
The research project is independent and low-prep. The research project can be used for teacher-led lessons, but this resource also makes a great distance learning activity, cross-curricular project, STEM sub plan, holiday break packet, or extra credit assignment. Grab this activity today to save your planning and prep time, while knowing your students will be engaged and inspired while developing a deeper appreciation of the history of life and the processes that have shaped the world we live in today.
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What’s included in the fossil record research project?
- Detailed teacher notes to assist with facilitation and lesson planning
- Printable PDF, Easel, and Google versions of the student worksheets
- Embedded links to quality background research video clips and an article
- Video guide and annotation key to support students with gathering evidence
- Graphic organizers to support the CER scientific writing process
- Easy-to-use grading rubric and answer key
Materials needed:
- Digital or printable copies of the student worksheets
- A copy of the background research article or a device with internet access to read on
- A teacher’s computer with internet access or student devices to watch the video clip
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How can the fossil record CER writing task be used in your classroom?
- Help students meet NGSS standard MS-LS4-1
- Explore real-world connections to Earth and Life Science content
- Use as a low-prep STEM or Science sub plan
- Assign a cross-curricular ELA and STEM project
- Apply science content to current events
- Practice scientific reading and writing with claim, evidence, reasoning (CER)
- Introduce real-world STEM disciplines and professions
- Develop 21st-century STEM skills, such as communication and critical thinking
- Assign extra credit and extension activities
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