In exploring a unit on fossils, students become paleontologists and botanists by trying their hand at a variety of art activities illustrating the fossilization of ancient plants and animals. “Fossil” techniques include sun prints, crayon resists, freehand drawings, collage, crayon rubbings, and clay imprints. Students record and share their scientific findings after each activity. Discussions focus on what kind of information fossils offer and omit, and how fossils help scientists learn about the distant past.
Standards
CCSS English Language Arts
RL 2.1, RL 2.2, RL 2.3, RL 2.6, RF 2.4a-c, L 2.3, SL 2.4
CA Arts Standards
2.VA:Cr1.2, 2.VA:Cr2.2, 2.VA:Cr2.3, 2.VA:Cr3, 2.VA:Pr5, 2.VA:Re7.1, 2.VA:Re9
Grade Level
2Teaching Artist
Leonardo Francisco
Teaching Artist